Here’s what happened.
A Democratic congressional candidate in New York is facing criticism after repeatedly invoking the legacy of his famous grandfather — former President John F. Kennedy — while asking supporters to send campaign donations.
Jack Schlossberg, 33, the grandson of JFK, is running for Congress in New York’s 12th Congressional District, a heavily Democratic seat covering parts of Manhattan.
But some critics say his campaign messaging appears to lean heavily on the Kennedy family name — and especially the memory of his late grandfather.
Fundraising Emails Highlight JFK Legacy
In recent campaign emails sent to potential donors, Schlossberg has repeatedly referenced the legacy of President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963.
In one fundraising message sent on March 5, Schlossberg told supporters he had been reflecting on JFK’s political vision and message of “hope.”
He also introduced himself by using his full name — John Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg — highlighting both sides of the famous Kennedy family lineage, including his grandmother Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis.
The candidate told donors that JFK’s speeches inspired him as a young student and helped shape his views on public service.
According to Schlossberg, the former president’s message about leadership and service continues to guide his own political ambitions.
Campaign Also Targets President Trump
Some of Schlossberg’s fundraising appeals also attempt to draw a contrast with President Donald Trump.
In one email to supporters, Schlossberg accused Trump of attempting to diminish the historical legacy of President Kennedy.
The comments came after political controversy involving the Kennedy Center, which has long been associated with the Kennedy family.
Schlossberg told supporters the situation reflects what he described as an ongoing attempt to erase or minimize JFK’s legacy.
Critics Question the Strategy
However, some political observers say relying heavily on the Kennedy name could backfire.
Veteran Democratic political strategist Hank Sheinkopf sharply criticized the campaign’s messaging strategy, suggesting that constant references to JFK may not resonate with modern voters.
According to Sheinkopf, the number of voters who personally remember President Kennedy is shrinking.
“You’d have to be about 80 years old to remember JFK firsthand,” he said.
“This will forever be known as the dead-grandpa campaign.”
Schlossberg Says Voters Relate to Family Stories
Schlossberg has pushed back on that criticism, saying that discussions about grandparents often help him connect with voters on a personal level.
He points out that while one of his grandfathers served as president of the United States, his other grandfather, Alfred Schlossberg, was a respected community leader who served as president of his synagogue.
Schlossberg says those family stories often spark conversations with voters about the generations who helped build New York City and the United States.
“I love asking people about their grandparents,” he has said.
“That’s when people really light up.”
Competitive Democratic Primary Ahead
Schlossberg is one of several Democrats running to replace longtime Rep. Jerrold Nadler, who currently represents the district.
Because New York’s 12th District strongly favors Democrats, the winner of the Democratic primary will likely have a major advantage in the general election.
For now, the question remains whether the famous Kennedy family name will be a powerful political advantage — or whether voters will want to hear more about Schlossberg’s own ideas rather than his family history.