New York, Nov 12 (EFE).- Jack Schlossberg, grandson of John F. Kennedy, announced his candidacy for the seat in the House of Representatives to be vacated by Democrat Jerrold Nadler, joining a crowded primary for New York's 12th congressional district.
Schlossberg, one of Caroline Kennedy's three children, the only living daughter of the marriage between John and Jackie Kennedy, will thus become JFK's first direct descendant to run for an elected office.
The 32-year-old candidate stated on Tuesday—via a video announcing his candidacy—that the country is at a "tipping point," denouncing a "cost-of-living crisis" derived from "historic cuts to social programs in health, education, and childcare."
Additionally, he took the opportunity to criticize President Donald Trump, whom he accused of "cronyism instead of capitalism" and of "generating a constitutional crisis" by "concentrating power" in the three branches of government.
Schlossberg grew up in New York City, in the district that extends from Union Square to Midtown and the Upper West and Upper East Side of Manhattan.
He identifies as a "new generation democrat" and has recently stood out for his viral social media videos, which he sees as an advantage to connect with young voters.
The young politician has over 830,000 followers on TikTok, where he has criticized Republicans for government shutdowns, and more than 170,000 on X.
Local media highlight that Schlossberg showed some months ago an affinity with then-New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who ultimately won the city's election held last Tuesday.
"Yes, Zohran Mamdani and I have something in common: we both try to be authentic versions of ourselves, communicate with the people of New York, and be present. But without control of Congress, we practically can't do anything," he emphasized.
In any case, the race to succeed Nadler will be wide, as other candidates have also entered, such as Assembly Member Micah Lasher, former Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Assembly Members Alex Bores and Tony Simone, Council Member Erik Bottcher, and activist Cameron Kasky.
The Kennedy family has historically held elected office, including John F. Kennedy's brothers, Robert and Ted, while Robert F. Kennedy Jr. currently holds a position in the Trump Administration, although his political stance has been rejected by most of the family's democratic lineage.
"The only campaign I know how to run is my own," Schlossberg said yesterday in the video.
He also stated that the Democratic party needs more voices to oppose the abuses of power that, in his view, are exercised by Trump and his allies.
"Our party can do whatever is necessary to address the cost of living, corruption, and the constitutional crisis we are in."
