In a surprising political twist, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is reportedly gearing up to support Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of the iconic President John F. Kennedy, in his quest for a challenging House seat representing New York's 12th District. This revelation comes from sources close to the situation, as shared by NBC News.
At just 33 years old, Schlossberg has carved out a niche for himself as an online political commentator. He’s also related to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with whom he has publicly disagreed on several issues. Schlossberg made headlines in November when he declared his candidacy for this significant congressional position, aiming to fill the vacancy left by Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler, who announced his retirement not long ago.
The New York Times was the first to report on Pelosi's decision to back Schlossberg, highlighting the potential impact of this endorsement on his campaign.
As Schlossberg prepares for a competitive Democratic primary set for June, he will face several challengers, including state Assemblymembers Micah Lasher and Alex Bores. Notably, George Conway, a well-known conservative lawyer and vocal critic of former President Trump, is also entering the race as a Democrat, adding an intriguing layer to the electoral dynamics.
In his candidacy announcement video, Schlossberg expressed his deep connection to the 12th congressional district, stating, "I’m running for Congress to represent my home, New York’s 12th congressional district, where I was born and raised, where I took the bus to school every single day from one side of the district to the other." His authentic approach and sometimes unfiltered political commentary have garnered him a substantial following on social media.
The 12th congressional district encompasses the vibrant heart of Manhattan, featuring landmarks like Central Park. Reflecting on the district's unique qualities, Schlossberg noted, "We have the best hospitals and schools, restaurants and museums. This is the financial and media capital of the world. This district should have a representative who can harness the creativity, energy, and drive of this district and translate that into political power in Washington."
Kyla Guilfoil serves as a breaking news reporter on the politics team at NBC News Digital.
