Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy and son of Caroline Kennedy, is facing criticism for using imagery reminiscent of his late uncle John F. Kennedy Jr. as he launches his campaign for Congress in New York’s 12th Congressional District, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
Schlossberg, 32, announced Tuesday that he will seek the Manhattan seat being vacated by Rep. Jerry Nadler, who is retiring after more than 30 years in Congress.
The campaign’s official website [2] and promotional materials feature Schlossberg riding a bicycle through the streets of Manhattan wearing a dark suit, backwards cap, and backpack — an image strikingly similar to several well-known photos of his uncle, who died in a plane crash in 1999 at the age of 38.
In the photo, Schlossberg even rolls up his right pant leg — a small but recognizable detail mirroring JFK Jr.’s signature look when cycling around New York City.
Jack Schlossberg is shamelessly ripping off JFK Jr. with his new political campaign https://t.co/q8dqrPri0e [3] pic.twitter.com/DeFo4nLHMn [4]
— New York Post Metro (@nypmetro) November 12, 2025 [5]
Schlossberg’s website introduces his campaign with the message, “Each generation of Americans is tested. The 2026 midterms is our moment. I’m running for Congress because the best part of the greatest city on earth needs to be heard loud and clear in Washington and deserves a representative who won’t back down.”
The imagery and messaging have fueled comparisons to his famous uncle, with some political observers calling the approach contrived.
New York political strategist Hank Sheinkopf called the campaign “ridiculous,” telling reporters, “Here’s a guy with no record, no accomplishments, trying to make himself into something he’s not. It’s patently ridiculous. This whole family still thinks they are all entitled to something.”
Schlossberg, whose full name is John Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg, graduated from Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School in 2022.
He has been active on social media, where he frequently posts videos and commentary to his 751,000 Instagram followers — many of which have drawn attention for mocking or criticizing his cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who serves as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
The new campaign website features the tagline “A New Generation of Leadership for New York,” a slogan that appears to reference both the Kennedy legacy and the rise of younger progressive Democrats in the city following Zohran Mamdani’s recent mayoral victory.
Schlossberg joins three other declared candidates in the Democratic primary: state Assemblyman Alex Bores, representing Manhattan’s 73rd District; state lawmaker Micah Lasher, a longtime Nadler ally; and nonprofit founder Liam Elkind, known for creating the volunteer organization Invisible Hands.
Nadler, 78, announced his retirement in September, telling The New York Times that it was time for a younger generation of Democrats to take leadership roles in Congress.