Jack Schlossberg, JFK's grandson and a Democratic congressional candidate in Manhattan, accused billionaire donors and major AI-backed groups of trying to "buy an election" during an interview on The Cats Roundtable. The open primary to replace Rep. Jerry Nadler has drawn heavy outside spending, including potential support of up to $5 million from Michael Bloomberg and targeted ads from a tech-backed super PAC. FEC filings show Alex Bores leading in cash on hand; Schlossberg says he will refuse super PAC, corporate PAC and big-AI money and has backing from Nancy Pelosi.
JFK Grandson Jack Schlossberg: Billionaires and Big AI Firms Are ‘Trying to Buy’ New York House Race
Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy and a candidate in the Democratic primary for a Manhattan congressional seat, criticized the influx of billionaire and tech-industry money into the race as an attempt to "buy an election." He made the remarks in an interview with John Catsimatidis on the radio program The Cats Roundtable.
Schlossberg is competing in a crowded, high-profile Democratic primary to replace Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), who is retiring. The field includes two current state lawmakers, a longtime TV and radio journalist, and George Conway, a former Republican and attorney who was previously married to former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway.
Outside Spending and Endorsements
Rep. Nadler has endorsed his former aide, state Assemblyman Micah Lasher, praising Lasher's legislative record. Lasher has also received an endorsement from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The New York Times reported that Bloomberg — whose net worth is often estimated at around $109 billion — was prepared to spend up to $5 million on mail, TV and digital advertising to boost Lasher's campaign.
Meanwhile, a tech-industry-backed super PAC has directed resources at state Assemblyman Alex Bores, who co-sponsored an AI-safety bill in Albany. That PAC's Democratic arm launched with roughly $100 million in initial funding from AI industry leaders and has released ads criticizing Bores for his prior work as a data scientist at Palantir.
Campaign Funds and Positions
Federal Election Commission filings show Bores leads the primary with about $2 million in cash on hand. Lasher follows with roughly $1.175 million, while Schlossberg reported approximately $606,000.
Schlossberg said: "I'm running against people who are backed by massive billionaires or massive AI companies, and they're taking millions of dollars hand over fist to try to buy an election." He positioned himself as the only candidate refusing money from super PACs, corporate PACs or major AI companies.
He also called the upcoming midterms the "last chance to stop Trump," and has secured the backing of Speaker Emerita Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Schlossberg emphasized that money in politics undermines trust and hampers lawmakers' ability to govern effectively.
Why it matters: The race is a test of how outside money from billionaires and influential tech backers can shape competitive primaries in major media markets like Manhattan. Candidates' responses to that spending — and voters' reactions — could influence both the primary outcome and how campaigns are financed in the future.
Help us improve.
