The Democratic primary in New York’s 12th Congressional District is drawing significant attention due to a crowded field of candidates and external influences. This Manhattan-based district, considered a deep-blue area, features several prominent figures, including a member of the Kennedy family and a former Republican critic of Donald Trump. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani cast his vote on Saturday, though he did not disclose his choice, making the outcome a test of his political influence.
The race includes Jack Schlossberg, 33, grandson of former President John F. Kennedy and son of Caroline Kennedy. Schlossberg aims to become the latest Kennedy to hold elected office. The last Kennedy to win an election was former US Rep. Joe Kennedy III in 2018, who subsequently lost a Senate bid two years later. Three Kennedy family members, including Schlossberg’s mother, served as ambassadors or envoys during the Biden administration, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is President Donald Trump’s health and human services secretary.
George Conway, a former prominent GOP attorney, is also running. Conway gained public recognition as a frequent television critic of Trump while his ex-wife, Kellyanne Conway, worked in the president’s White House. His candidacy examines whether Democratic voters are willing to support former Republicans who opposed Trump primarily out of personal distaste rather than ideological alignment. This follows a previous instance where former Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned with former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney.
Two state lawmakers are also competing in the primary. One of these lawmakers is the focus of millions in advertising spending, with funds linked to artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency interests. This influx of external funding highlights the growing role of specialized financial and technological sectors in political campaigns.
Another state assemblyman, Alex Bores, is a former employee of Palantir. Bores has become an opponent of artificial intelligence companies after co-sponsoring a 2025 New York artificial intelligence safety law. This legislative effort indicates a proactive stance by some New York lawmakers regarding the regulation and safety of AI technologies.
The primary’s outcome will reveal the current political leanings within a key Democratic stronghold and the effectiveness of various campaign strategies. It will also indicate the extent to which voters are swayed by family legacies, cross-party appeals, and the influence of emerging technological and financial sectors in local elections.
Observers will watch how the results reflect voter sentiment regarding candidates with diverse backgrounds and the impact of significant external spending. The election will also provide insight into the evolving dynamics of political alliances and the role of technology-related legislation in shaping candidate platforms.