JFK’s Grandson Takes First Step Toward Run for Jerry Nadler’s Seat

Former President John F. Kennedy’s grandson Jack Schlossberg announced on Sunday that he has formed a congressional exploratory committee, the first step towards a run for the seat being vacated by retiring New York Rep. Jerry Nadler.

The possible entrance of a political scion and media darling like Schlossberg is sure to make waves in an already packed race, which includes state Assemblyman Micah Lasher and non-profit leader Liam Elkind. Speculation has also surrounded the potential entrance of several other high-profile names, including former Rep. Carolyn Maloney and “Sex and the City” actress and former gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon.

“Hey guys ? have formed an exploratory committee,” Schlossberg posted on X Sunday morning. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment from NOTUS.

Nadler, a 78-year-old who The New York Times branded as a “pillar of the Democratic Party’s old guard,” announced his retirement last Monday, touting the need for a “younger” successor.

“Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party, and I think I want to respect that,” Nadler said, referring to the pushback experienced by the former president after a disastrous debate performance last summer forced him to step aside from the 2024 presidential race and raised questions about his cognitive abilities.

He added that a younger candidate “can maybe do better, can maybe help us more.”

When asked directly about the possibility of Schlossberg running for his seat, however, Nadler threw cold water on the idea.

“Well, there’s nothing particularly good or bad about a Kennedy holding my seat. But the Kennedy, unlike Schlossberg, should be somebody with a record of public service, a record of public accomplishment, and he doesn’t have one,” Nadler told CNN’s Kate Boulduan last week.

“I don’t think he’s going to be a candidate in the end, and he certainly is not going to be a major candidate,” Nadler added.

Schlossberg responded in a post on Instagram, saying, “Honestly no offense taken whatsoever! As a New Yorker, a progressive and an American, I have nothing but thanks and respects to offer Rep Nadler.”

Schlossberg, 32, is the son of diplomat Caroline Kennedy and the artist Edwin Schlossberg. He is the only grandson of the 35th president and his wife, Jackie Kennedy.

The Harvard-trained lawyer has in recent years made a name for himself as a media personality, writing for a variety of publications including The New York Times, Time, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Politico, and CNN, among others. Last year, he served as a political correspondent for Vogue.

Schlossberg has also attracted notoriety for his prolific posting on the social media site X, where he has needled Republican figures — in particular his cousin, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

“RFK LOSER is choking so badly LIVE,” Schlossberg posted just last week while his cousin testified during a congressional hearing.

“There’s only one Kennedy family — MINE !!” he wrote just before the hearing started.