Jack Schlossberg faces a critical test tomorrow in New York’s 12th Congressional District Democratic primary, competing in one of the nation’s most expensive House races as the Kennedy scion attempts to convert his social-media following into electoral support.
The June 23 primary to replace retiring Representative Jerry Nadler features a crowded, high-spending field that includes Micah Lasher, an assemblyman backed by the outgoing incumbent; Alex Bores, a data scientist focused on artificial intelligence regulation; and George Conway, the former Republican and Lincoln Project co-founder. The race has drawn nearly $30 million in super PAC spending, making it one of the most expensive House primaries in history, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Schlossberg, 33, is the only grandson of President John F. Kennedy and has built a significant online presence through ironic, edgy social-media videos before launching his congressional bid. The New Yorker reported that the primary is “awash with money but a little short on belief,” with polls showing dramatic swings across the field. In recent weeks, Schlossberg has polled as high as 22 percent and as low as 11 percent, while Lasher has similarly fluctuated between 22 and 14 percent.
The most recent New York Times polling, updated just hours before election day, shows Schlossberg at 23 percent, ahead of other leading contenders. However, prediction markets tell a different story: Kalshi’s betting platform gives Lasher a 66 percent chance of winning the Democratic nomination, suggesting significant uncertainty remains.
New York’s 12th District spans the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Midtown, and Chelsea—one of the wealthiest and most solidly Democratic districts in the country. The seat has been held by Nadler since 1992. The race has become a test of whether Schlossberg’s Kennedy name and online celebrity can overcome criticism that he lacks political experience compared to his rivals, several of whom have spent years in local government and community board meetings.
The New Yorker’s coverage noted that Schlossberg argues his main strength is not his family but his ability to communicate through humor and cut through political noise. “I show up on Day One being able to deliver for New York 12 in a way that the others can’t: I stick out everywhere I go,” he told the publication. He has pledged to accept no money from super PACs, though the race around him has been flooded with outside spending.
Schlossberg has faced scrutiny over campaign turnover, with the New York Times reporting on front-page coverage of staff departures. Last week, he lashed out at a rival’s consulting firm and accused opponents of deploying bot farms to attack him online, according to reporting by the Wall Street Journal.
Sources
- The New Yorker — detailed reporting on the NY-12 primary field, polling volatility, and Schlossberg’s campaign strategy and positioning
- Wall Street Journal — reporting on the $30 million in super PAC spending, Schlossberg’s family background, and campaign challenges
- The New York Times — latest polling data showing Schlossberg at 23 percent as of June 22, 2026
- CNN — coverage of the Democratic primary and candidate forum
- The Guardian — reporting on the four leading candidates and the race to replace Nadler
- NYC Board of Elections — confirmation of June 23, 2026 primary election date
- Kalshi — prediction market odds showing Lasher at 66 percent to win the nomination
