Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is endorsingJack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, in a highly competitive run for a US House seat in New York City, Schlossberg has announced.
After days of speculation, the Speaker Emerita is backing Schlossberg, the candidate said, posting Pelosi's lengthy endorsement in a Feb. 10 post onX.
"Speaker Pelosi is a national hero and master legislator — I'm proud to have her support. She's the backbone of the Democratic Party - no one understands Congress like she does," Schlossberg wrote. "I sat down with her, told her about our campaign and policy plans for NY12. She believes we can win."
In her statement,Pelosisaid she is proud to endorse Schlossberg.
"This is a consequential moment for the country − faith in our politics is fractured and trust in government is tenuous. This moment calls for leaders who understand the stakes and how to deliver for the people they serve," Pelosi said. "Jack Schlossberg is that kind of leader − a candidate for Congress we are all excited about, and someone I am proud to endorse."
Schlossberg, who announced his candidacy in November, is seeking toreplace retiring New York Rep. Jerry Nadler. The only son of Caroline Kennedy, Schlossberg would serve parts of New York City if elected to succeed Nadler, the influential ex-chairman of the House Judiciary Committee who currently represents New York's 12th Congressional District.
For his part, Nadler is endorsing his former aide, Democratic New York State Assemblyman Micah Lasher, to succeed him. In a Feb. 9 videoposted on X, Nadler said Lasher "by every measure, stands above the rest."
Schlossberg is also the estranged cousin of Health and Human Services SecretaryRobert F. Kennedy Jr., a key ally ofPresident Donald Trump.Schlossberg has urgedRFK Jr.to resign over his long history of promoting health disinformation,calling his cousina "threat to public health and American scientific leadership."
John F. Kennedy's grandson and Democratic influencer Jack Schlossberg is running for Congress, launching a campaign to replace retiring New York Rep. Jerry Nadler, according to a New York Times report published Nov. 11." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
See Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy's grandson, step into the political spotlight
John F. Kennedy'sgrandson and Democratic influencerJack Schlossbergis running for Congress, launching a campaign to replace retiring New York Rep. Jerry Nadler,according to a New York Times report published Nov. 11.
JFK's grandson running for Congress:John F. Kennedy's grandson Jack Schlossberg enters his name in crowded field for Congress
Pelosi says Schlossberg 'represents best of his generation'
Pelosi, who has announced she will be stepping down from her congressional seat in January 2027, said in her Feb. 10 statement that Schlossberg represents "the best of his generation," calling him smart, creative, and driven.
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Pelosi, who became the first woman to hold the position of House Speaker in 2007and led Democrats in the House of Representatives for two decades, added that a victory could help Democrats regain control of the House, whichRepublicans currently hold with a slim majorityof 218 to 214,with three seats vacant.
"He has a deep sense of duty, and loves New York City and the 12th district, where he grew up," Pelosi said. "Jack is not only campaigning for Congress, he is also reminding us of America's 'Greatest Generation,' calling us to public service once more, and demonstrating a new path forward.
"He is connecting with people in new ways that really matter, and because of that, his candidacy will help Democrats win nationwide − and help flip the House," Pelosi continued.
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Pelosi says Schlossberg has ability to bring all sides to table
Pelosi praised Schlossberg, saying he understands that progress is not some abstract idea.
"He has released specific policies to address local challenges facing his district − plans to lower costs at the grocery store and for families, his housing initiative, his public safety measures for houses of worship, and a way to tackle the flow of illegal guns at the federal level," Pelosi said.
Pelosi said Schlossberg has "the mettle and moxie" to get policies passed in Congress, and "the ability to bring all sides to the table."
Former Speaker says nation's future depends on a new generation of leaders
Pelosi added that Schlossberg brings "a dynamic energy and optimism," and he represents a new generation of leaders who are "willing to do the hard work" of turning values into results.
"Jack possesses a unique ability to navigate the digital and the classical political worlds in ways that can get things done for people − and holdPresident Trumpaccountable," Pelosi said. "Those skills are critical right now, and they are also quite rare."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Nancy Pelosi endorses JFK grandson Jack Schlossberg in House race
