Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of the late President John F. Kennedy, has lost his bid to secure the Democratic nomination for New York’s 12th Congressional District. The election was held on June 23, where statewide Assemblyman Micah Lasher triumphed, marking a significant moment in a primary contest that has drawn considerable attention and investment.
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The contest featured a crowded roster of candidates vying for the nomination, including notable figures such as state Assemblyman Alex Bores, prominent anti-Trump lawyer George Conway, public health researcher Nina Schwalbe, and, of course, Schlossberg. Ultimately, Lasher emerged as the frontrunner, backed by key endorsements from prominent figures within the Democratic establishment.
Schlossberg’s campaign, which he officially launched in November, positioned him as an outsider willing to challenge the status quo, especially amid substantial support for Lasher from the party machinery. His most visible backers included former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and his mother, Caroline Kennedy, a former U.S. Ambassador to Japan.
Despite this pedigree, Schlossberg struggled to resonate with the electorate amid fierce competition for attention and funding. Pre-election polling had suggested that Lasher and Bores were in command, often overshadowing Schlossberg, who branded himself “No-PAC Jack” in an effort to connect with voters seeking a grassroots candidate. He campaigned with the ethos of “Believe in Something Again,” attempting to leverage his family name while maintaining an underdog narrative.
Dramatically affecting his campaign, Schlossberg’s personal life became entwined with his political aspirations. After the death of his older sister, Tatiana, who was battling terminal cancer, he expressed a profound commitment to her memory. Her last words to him were, “You better win,” which he recounted during interviews as a motivational cornerstone of his campaign. The tragedy further humanised him in the eyes of voters, as he often spoke of the emotional journey he undertook during the campaign.
While Schlossberg captured headlines nationally, Lasher and Bores benefited from well-funded political action committees (PACs) that drastically amplified their visibility in the race. As a result, they dominated the mail and media space within the district. The candidates, in general, leveraged the contentious political climate to gain traction, promising to stand against Trump’s administration. However, an unexpected theme emerged as artificial intelligence regulation took centre stage, particularly with Bores advocating for a significant AI regulation bill he previously passed in Albany.
The financial stakes were high, making this primary one of New York’s most costly in history. Reports indicated that PACs, fueled by interests in the tech industry, contributed substantial amounts to both Bores and Lasher’s campaigns, effectively sidelining Schlossberg and Conway. In the midst of campaign activities, Schlossberg continued to engage with the community, even braving inclement weather to meet voters, taking selfies, and sharing moments with those who recalled their encounters with his famed family.
As the primary results were announced, Schlossberg’s hopes of continuing the Kennedy legacy in Congress have been halted. Lasher is now poised to compete against Republican Caroline Shinkle, an uncontested corporate lawyer, in the general election scheduled for November 3.
New York’s 12th Congressional District, covering much of Manhattan, remains an influential and heavily Democratic area, often seen as a strategic battleground for broader political movements. The outcome of this primary not only reflects the dynamics of local politics but also underscores the evolving landscape of fundraising and campaigning in the age of technology and media influence. As Schlossberg steps back from this race, the implications for political families and grassroots movements will continue to resonate throughout the upcoming elections.