New York’s political landscape is set for a seismic shift as longtime Congressman Jerry Nadler steps aside, ending a storied 34-year tenure that has seen him become a fixture in Manhattan politics and a national figure in Democratic circles. Nadler’s decision to retire at the end of his current term, announced on September 1, 2025, has triggered a wave of speculation and maneuvering among some of the most recognizable names in American politics, as well as a new generation of ambitious contenders eager to inherit what public relations executive Ken Sunshine dubbed “a crown jewel” of New York politics, according to the Daily Beast.
The 12th Congressional District, encompassing much of Manhattan from the Upper East Side and Upper West Side down to Union Square, has rarely seen a vacancy. Nadler, at 78, cited the need for “generational change” as a primary reason for his departure. “Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party, and I think I want to respect that,” Nadler told The New York Times. Reflecting on his decades of service, he added, “For more than 32 years, I have had the honor of serving the people of New York in the United States Congress. This decision has not been easy. But I know in my heart it is the right one and that it is the right time to pass the torch to a new generation.”
The announcement immediately set off a flurry of rumors about who might step into the breach. Among the most prominent names floated were Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy. Both names carry the weight of political dynasties, and their potential candidacies have fueled intrigue in both local and national circles.
However, Chelsea Clinton quickly moved to quash speculation about her intentions. On September 3, 2025, a spokesperson for Clinton told USA TODAY that she is “not considering a run.” This statement was echoed by Rachel Schilke of the Washington Examiner, who reported, “There’s no truth to this,” after news reports surfaced suggesting Clinton was weighing a bid. This is not the first time Clinton has declined to pursue public office; in 2019, she similarly passed on running to replace former Rep. Nita Lowey in another New York district. Instead, Clinton has channeled her efforts into global health advocacy and authoring books, often in partnership with her mother, and has maintained a lower political profile compared to her famous parents.
Despite Clinton’s denials, the allure of the seat and the Clinton family’s deep ties to Democratic politics have kept the rumor mill churning. Some observers recall Hillary Clinton’s own reversal after previously insisting she would not run for president again, only to launch a campaign in 2015 that ultimately won her the Democratic nomination. Yet, as the Daily Beast notes, Chelsea may be content to wield influence behind the scenes, much as she has done through the Clinton Foundation.
While Clinton appears to be sitting this race out, Jack Schlossberg has been more open about his ambitions. The 32-year-old social media influencer and son of Caroline Kennedy told The New York Times on September 2, 2025, that running for Nadler’s seat is “certainly a possibility.” Schlossberg, whose Instagram post thanking Nadler for his years of service was met with a flood of encouragement from supporters, would be the first Kennedy family member to seek a congressional seat since Joe Kennedy III left the House in 2020. Though Schlossberg has not formally declared his candidacy, his potential run has already generated excitement among those eager for a new generation of leadership and a revival of the Kennedy legacy in Congress.
The field is far from settled, however. The Democratic primary is expected to be crowded, with a mix of established politicians, rising stars, and political outsiders all eyeing the seat. Officially, only 26-year-old Liam Elkind has declared his candidacy, but a host of others are weighing their options. Among them is Micah Lasher, a state assemblyman and former Nadler aide who is widely expected to receive Nadler’s endorsement, though the congressman has said an official endorsement is “way down the road.” “I’m very fond of Micah and I think highly of him,” Nadler told The Times.
Other prospective candidates include Alex Bores, a state assemblyman; Erik Bottcher, a City Council member; former Rep. Carolyn Maloney, who once challenged Nadler in a primary; and former Federal Trade Commissioner Lina Khan. Khan, a favorite among progressives, was mentioned as a possible contender but stated on “The Bulwark Podcast” with Tim Miller on September 3 that she would not seek public office, with her spokesperson declining to comment on any change of heart.
The district’s unique political dynamics add further intrigue to the race. Nadler, who has long represented one of the nation’s largest Jewish constituencies and built a reputation as a pro-Israel progressive, recently reversed his stance on Israel amid the war in Gaza. He accused Israel of committing “mass murder and war crimes” and said he would support efforts to withhold offensive weapons transfers to Israel for the remainder of his term. This marked a significant break from his past positions and has influenced the emerging field, with some candidates aligning themselves with pro-Israel groups and others leaning into progressive causes.
Elisha Wiesel, son of Nobel Peace Prize-winner Elie Wiesel, and philanthropist Natalie Barth—both with strong connections to the pro-Israel community—are reportedly considering bids. Meanwhile, Shabbos Kestenbaum, a Jewish campus activist who has praised Trump’s actions against antisemitism, said he is “actively considering” a run and has been encouraged by a broad spectrum of New Yorkers. “If I can make a positive difference to my city and community, I would be foolish not to. There is a strong desire amongst New York Democrats for a return to normalcy. The party has steered too far to the left and I will help in any way I can, including running for office,” Kestenbaum told Jewish Insider.
Whitney Tilson, a former hedge fund executive and moderate Democrat, has also signaled interest, posting on X that district residents have a “special responsibility to lead the fight against President Donald Trump, defend the rule of law and support our allies, especially Israel and Ukraine.” Michael Cohen, eastern director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, and Liam Elkind, who previously called for Nadler’s retirement to make way for new leadership, round out a diverse and competitive group of possible contenders.
The coming months promise a spirited and closely watched contest, as New York’s 12th District prepares for its first open race in decades. With iconic names, shifting political alliances, and a city’s future at stake, all eyes are on Manhattan to see which direction its voters—and the Democratic Party—will choose next.
