Cameron Kasky, a Parkland survivor and activist, officially entered the Democratic primary for New York's 12th District and directly challenged Jack Schlossberg, a Kennedy family scion who has launched a high-profile, social-media-forward campaign. Kasky emphasized policy priorities like Medicare for All and gun violence prevention while urging grassroots donations. Schlossberg's rollout has drawn both attention and criticism for leaning on branding and platform reach rather than detailed policy proposals. The open seat has attracted multiple potential contenders, setting up a competitive primary focused on substance versus style.
Kasky vs. Schlossberg: Parkland Survivor Challenges JFK’s Grandson in Crowded NY-12 Race
Cameron Kasky, a Parkland survivor and activist, officially entered the Democratic primary for New York's 12th District and directly challenged Jack Schlossberg, a Kennedy family scion who has launched a high-profile, social-media-forward campaign. Kasky emphasized policy priorities like Medicare for All and gun violence prevention while urging grassroots donations. Schlossberg's rollout has drawn both attention and criticism for leaning on branding and platform reach rather than detailed policy proposals. The open seat has attracted multiple potential contenders, setting up a competitive primary focused on substance versus style.
11:42 AM, 11/19/2025Politics
Cameron Kasky, the Parkland school shooting survivor turned activist, officially filed paperwork to run in the Democratic primary for New York's 12th Congressional District, the Manhattan seat being vacated by Rep. Jerry Nadler. The 25-year-old launched his campaign with a colorful video and an interview in which he directly called out Jack Schlossberg, a 32-year-old member of the Kennedy family who has already mounted a high-profile bid.
In his launch video, Kasky appealed for small-dollar donations and contrasted his fundraising needs with opponents who have wealthy backers: 'Please donate to me online; all of my opponents have a lot of very rich friends and I can’t necessarily say the same about myself,' he said. Observers frequently note the long-standing financial prominence of the Kennedy family.
Schlossberg has built a large social media following and staged an expansive rollout for his campaign, including a series of public-facing proposals described as '12 ways' he would serve NY-12. His approach — heavy on branding and social engagement — has drawn both attention and criticism for emphasizing style over detailed policy proposals. He currently has roughly 800,000 followers on Instagram and about 900,000 on TikTok.
'Schlossberg is amazing at getting views and clicks. He understands the social media game in a way that I could only hope to catch up to,' Kasky said. 'But at the end of the day, social media is not how you’re going to win. You are going to win by having clear, moral, and equitable positions on the issues that are concerning to Americans.'
Critics have mocked parts of Schlossberg's messaging as branding-first. One Democratic strategist wrote on social media: 'Great branding, cute and sticky catchphrase. Horrible execution. Creativity? Courage? You’re trying to go to Congress, not NYU.' Kasky seized on those critiques in his own posts, laying out core policy priorities and urging voters to support a platform-driven campaign.
On social media, Kasky listed priorities including 'Medicare For All; Stop Funding Genocide; Gun Violence Prevention; and Fight the AI oligarchs,' adding: 'I am not sharing my positions because they’re convenient, I’m sharing them because you deserve politicians who believe in something. Donate to an actual platform and learn more.'
The two candidates have a history as mutual influencers and occasional friendly rivals. In a past podcast appearance they traded lighthearted personal anecdotes that underscored their familiarity — a reminder that today's political contests can grow out of earlier social connections.
Several other public figures are rumored to be weighing bids for the open NY-12 seat, making the contest one to watch as it develops. Kasky and Schlossberg represent different approaches to modern Democratic politics: a policy-focused activist relying on grassroots fundraising versus a high-profile social media native with deep name recognition and significant reach.
If the campaign follows current trajectories, expect vigorous debate over both policy substance and political style as voters decide which approach best represents Manhattan's diverse district.