Kennedy scion Jack Schlossberg loses crowded New York City congressional primary

The Kennedy dynasty will not be returning to Congress next year, as political novice Jack Schlossberg lost Tuesday to New York state Assembly Member Micah Lasher in a crowded Democratic primary for an open congressional seat in Manhattan.

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We don't just need younger candidates. We need different people.

Lasher, who has spent his career in politics and worked for officeholders including the current representative whose seat he hopes to win, Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler, secured victory with the backing of establishment figures like Gov. Kathy Hochul. In his victory speech, Lasher vowed to "revamp and recharge the Democratic Party in Washington" and present "bold new ideas to improve the lives of struggling Americans."

Schlossberg, the social-media-savvy grandson of the late President John F. Kennedy, had campaigned on a message that Democrats need more frank, responsive, and inspiring candidates. "We don't just need younger candidates. We need different people," he stated, warning that the party would continue to lose if it ignored signals from across the country.

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unless Democrats learn from the signals that are being sent all across the country, we are going to keep on losing.

Before the race was called, Schlossberg appeared at his watch party to thank his campaign workers. As news of Lasher's victory emerged, a deflated mood spread among his largely young supporters. The race was notable for Schlossberg's star power and his "progressive and aggressive" message delivered through dynamic social media posts. He asserted that supporters were drawn to his experience and ideas, not just his famous last name.

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revamp and recharge the Democratic Party in Washington

However, Schlossberg also faced scrutiny regarding his limited professional background and perceived seriousness as a candidate. The 33-year-old, who holds joint law and business degrees, had brief experience at the State Department's environmental bureau and has written opinion pieces for Vogue. He also noted that family wealth provided him independence from traditional political fundraising.

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bold new ideas to improve the lives of struggling Americans and then deliver on them.