Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is endorsing Jack Schlossberg, the 32-year-old grandson of President John F. Kennedy, in the Democrat primary for New York’s 12th Congressional District.
Pelosi’s endorsement enters a crowded primary race for the Manhattan-based seat being vacated by Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY).
Nadler recently announced his retirement after more than three decades in Congress.
The district spans Union Square through the Upper West Side and Upper East Side, among the nation’s most expensive neighborhoods and reliably Democrat voting blocs.
It makes the Democratic primary the decisive contest.
Pelosi Highlights Schlossberg’s Candidacy
Pelosi’s statement, obtained by The New York Post, was prepared by Schlossberg’s campaign and emphasized several attributes, including:
- “Passion for solving problems”
- “His ability to engage and inspire young people”
- “Incredible excitement around his candidacy”
- His “policy chops.”
Pelosi served alongside multiple members of the Kennedy family during her time in Congress, including the late Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA), former Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), former Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-MA), and former Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-MA).
Questions Around Experience and Name Recognition
Schlossberg, the son of former U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, entered the race with a résumé largely defined by political commentary and a speech at the Democratic National Convention.
Like other Democrat politicitians looking to make a name for themselves, Schlossberg is best known for his anti-Trump statements.
At 32, he is seeking to replace a longtime incumbent in a district where name recognition carries significant political weight.
Other Democratic contenders include New York State Assemblyman Micah Lasher, former journalist Jami Floyd, and attorney George Conway.
Family Divide Draws Attention
Schlossberg’s campaign has also highlighted divisions within the Kennedy family.
His cousin, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., serves in President Donald Trump’s administration.
Schlossberg referred to RFK Jr. as “A rabid dog.”
The White House pushed back on the remark.
Personal Tragedy Amid Campaign
The Schlossberg family also experienced a personal loss in December.
Schlossberg’s sister, Tatiana Schlossberg, died at age 35 from leukemia.
A Closely Watched Democratic Primary
The NY-12 race reflects broader dynamics inside the Democratic Party, with establishment figures backing legacy candidates while multiple contenders compete for support in a district where Democrat primary voters will ultimately determine the outcome.
Pelosi’s endorsement signals the preference of party leadership.
However, the final decision rests with Manhattan voters as the primary unfolds.
READ MORE – Pelosi Faces Questions Over Her Sobriety After Speech at Bob Weir Memorial

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