Kennedy Scion’s Campaign Manager Departs Weeks into Congressional Bid
In a surprising turn of events, Jack Schlossberg’s newly launched congressional campaign has already experienced its first major staffing change. Annabell Lasally, who was hired to manage the Kennedy grandson’s bid for New York’s 12th Congressional District, has confirmed her departure just weeks after the campaign kickoff. The 32-year-old Schlossberg, who announced last month his intention to run for the House seat being vacated by longtime Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler, now faces the challenge of finding new leadership for his nascent campaign organization. While the circumstances surrounding Lasally’s exit remain unclear, her LinkedIn profile and social media accounts have already been updated to reflect that she no longer works for the “Jack for New York” campaign. Lasally, who previously served in Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, had been brought on to help launch Schlossberg’s entry into the crowded Democratic primary race.
Despite this early setback, Schlossberg’s campaign has attempted to project confidence and continuity. In a statement to Politico, campaign representatives emphasized ongoing growth and momentum: “We continue to grow post launch as the only campaign with a plan focused on local issues and progressive policy. We will be announcing our new campaign headquarters very soon. It’s all systems go!” This optimistic messaging suggests the campaign is working to minimize any perception that Lasally’s departure signals deeper organizational issues. The campaign has yet to announce who will take over the crucial campaign manager role, which will be essential as Schlossberg navigates the competitive primary landscape in one of Manhattan’s wealthiest and most politically engaged districts.
Jack Schlossberg represents the next generation of America’s most famous political dynasty. As the grandson of President John F. Kennedy and son of Caroline Kennedy, he carries significant name recognition into the race. After graduating from Harvard, Schlossberg has built a substantial social media following, becoming known for his sometimes unconventional and quirky content. His candidacy marks another chapter in the Kennedy family’s long political legacy, though he enters the race as one of nearly a dozen candidates vying for the Democratic nomination in this Manhattan district. Political observers are watching closely to see whether the Kennedy name still carries the weight it once did in American politics, particularly with younger voters who may be less connected to the family’s historical significance.
When asked about his often-unusual social media presence, Schlossberg has defended his approach, suggesting that voters shouldn’t be confused or concerned about his online persona. “I think some people might be confused by some of the posts, but they have to understand that there’s a reason behind all of them,” he told The New York Post earlier this month. This response highlights a challenging balancing act for the young candidate – maintaining the authentic voice that has built his following while transitioning to the more formal role of a congressional candidate. As political campaigns increasingly navigate the intersection of personal branding and policy substance, Schlossberg’s experience may prove instructive for other candidates from prominent families seeking to establish their own identities.
Beyond his social media presence, Schlossberg has positioned himself as an outspoken critic of former President Trump and his allies. He appears to be leaning into this aspect of his public persona, claiming that voters have “a lot of respect” for his willingness to confront political opponents. In comments that reveal something about his self-perception, Schlossberg has boasted about taking it upon himself to “take risks and move the ball forward on behalf of the party when no one asked me to and I wasn’t a candidate.” This framing suggests he sees his candidacy as part of a broader mission to reshape Democratic messaging and strategy, rather than simply a personal political ambition. Whether this approach resonates with voters in New York’s 12th District remains to be seen.
The early campaign shakeup raises questions about Schlossberg’s readiness for the intense scrutiny and organizational demands of a high-profile congressional race. Campaign manager departures, while not uncommon in politics, typically don’t occur so soon after a campaign launch, potentially signaling internal disagreements about strategy or execution. As the race progresses, Schlossberg will need to demonstrate that he can build and maintain a professional campaign operation capable of competing in one of the nation’s most sophisticated political environments. With primary elections still months away, the campaign has time to regroup and establish a new leadership structure, but the early turbulence creates a narrative challenge that Schlossberg and his team will need to overcome. For a candidate whose famous family name creates both opportunities and expectations, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this campaign can move beyond its rocky start.
