Shortly after announcing his campaign, Schlossberg shared a series of videos and links to his social media accounts, urging his followers to donate “so we can win”.
His campaign website declares a “new generation of leadership” for New York, and makes “12 promises to the people of New York’s 12th district”.
“This is our last chance to stop Trump – it won’t come again,” it reads.
Schlossberg has been vocal about his opposition to the Trump administration, which includes his estranged cousin Robert F Kennedy Jr.
Despite being a relative, he is especially critical of the US health secretary, whom he has called a “loser”.
Schlossberg’s decision comes as Democrats are hoping to regain control of the House in the 2026 midterm elections.
“There is nothing our party can’t do to address costs of living, corruption and the constitutional crisis that we’re in,” he told the New York Times on Tuesday.
“But without the control of Congress, there’s almost nothing that we can do.”
Schlossberg has been hinting for months at his possible run for the seat.
A number of other Democrats have also announced campaigns for NY-12, including state assemblymen Micah Lasher and Alex Bores, and veteran journalist Jami Floyd.
Newly elected New York City mayor and fellow millennial Zohran Mamdani has not yet endorsed a candidate in the primary.
