Ask not what Jack can do for you…
Introduction
Jack Schlossberg, the 32-year-old grandson of John F. Kennedy, recently announced his bid for Congress in New York’s 12th District, setting off a mix of intrigue, hope, and eye rolls. His decision underscores a fascinating trend: the rise of young, media-savvy politicians aiming to reshape how generation next talks politics. With this, he also raises uncomfortable questions about dynastic power.
In an era when fresh faces are increasingly stepping into power, Schlossberg’s run feels both timely and familiar. Just as New York City’s recent mayoral race spotlighted youthful, progressive leadership, Schlossberg argues that his district needs someone who can wield the drive of Manhattan and translate it into real political power. He casts himself as part of a generational shift: someone who doesn’t just inherit history, but channels it through the messy, wired world of 21st-century politics.
Who Is Jack, Anyway? Beyond the Surname
It’s hard to ignore the Kennedy name. The very bloodline that symbolizes “Camelot” in American mythos is now showing up in the House, and for some, that’s cause for concern. Critics are asking: is this a genuine commitment to public service or just another chapter in a political dynasty’s long playbook?
The Kennedy legacy has always carried gravitas, but as Schlossberg enters formal politics, skeptics worry about nepotism. After all, he’s got the pedigree and a narrative-ready story. Some seasoned voices in politics point out that, unlike past Kennedys, he lacks elected office experience. Rep. Jerry Nadler — whose seat he’s running for — reportedly noted that Schlossberg “doesn’t have a record of public service.”
Dig deeper, and Schlossberg isn’t just a pretty face with a famous last name. Educated at Yale, he went on to earn a joint JD/MBA from Harvard. He passed the New York Bar in 2023. He’s also worked in media — writing political commentary (for Vogue, among others), and using his social platforms to amplify his voice.
But maybe what makes him most interesting to young voters isn’t his resume, but his online presence. Schlossberg has built a following by “trolling for a cause,” adopting exaggerated characters and delivering sharp political critique in a way that’s equal parts meme and message. His style is almost custom-made for the attention economy: theatrical and deeply aware of how social media works.
The Kennedy Feud: Family Drama as Political Capital
One of the juiciest parts of Schlossberg’s campaign is his very public feud with his own cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who currently serves as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. Schlossberg has accused him of spreading misinformation, even calling him a “rabid dog” in a recent interview. By openly criticizing his own family, Schlossberg seems to be signaling that he’s not just riding the Kennedy brand, he’s willing to challenge it.
But some wonder: is this a principled stand or a PR play? Either way, it’s working to sharpen his political identity and draw attention to his campaign.
Schlossberg’s run matters for a few reasons. First, it’s a clear sign that Gen Z and younger millennials aren’t waiting for permission anymore. They’re walking into politics while still carrying student debt and half a personality built on memes. Second, it’s a live test of whether America still likes political royalty. Are voters really craving a Camelot reboot, or are they ready for someone who actually reflects the mess and urgency of 2020s politics?
Third, Schlossberg is campaigning like someone who understands that the timeline is the battlefield. His chaotic, self-aware, extremely online public persona is proof that political messaging is changing fast. And finally, there’s the emotional side: he’s not just running as a Kennedy, he’s running to defend the Kennedy name, pushing back against misinformation and public misinterpretation of the family’s legacy.
Final Thought
Jack Schlossberg running for Congress is not just another Kennedy making noise. He’s riding the weight of a storied name, but also leaning into the dysfunction and possibility of today’s political climate. Whether he’s Camelot 2.0 or just another legacy candidate remains to be seen — but either way, he’s one to watch.
Kithéa 