A new generation of political heirs is stepping into the spotlight, each hoping to leverage their family names to win votes. This trend traces back to the familiar narrative in Hollywood, where so-called “nepo babies” face criticism for their perceived advantages. Now, the political arena seems to be embracing its own version of this legacy phenomenon.
At the forefront is Jack Schlossberg, grandson of former President John F. Kennedy. Headed for a congressional seat in New York, Schlossberg’s family lineage makes him a figure of interest. With a respectable social media following, including nearly 850,000 TikTok fans, he has certainly drawn attention. Yet, as political commentator Kaivan Shroff pointed out, relying solely on his family name poses a risk. “To make the entire campaign about [being] from this super famous political dynasty with nothing else to offer is a choice,” he noted. Despite Schlossberg’s impressive educational background with degrees from Yale and Harvard, skepticism remains about his lack of substantial political experience.
In the wake of Schlossberg’s entry, Christine Pelosi, the daughter of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, announced her candidacy for a local office. This decision has been seen as a more modest approach compared to her father’s significant congressional career. Shroff remarked on the humility in Christine’s choice, observing that she opted for local office rather than immediately vying for a higher post. This contrasts sharply with the narrative surrounding Schlossberg’s candidacy, which some view as an entitlement arising from his family’s legacy.
Another notable candidate is Jonathan Bush, a nephew of former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. He is making a bid for the Maine governor’s office. Having established himself as a health-tech entrepreneur, Bush’s movement, Maine for Keeps, aims to ensure continued prosperity in the region. However, his past, marked by allegations of domestic violence and sexual harassment, adds a layer of complexity to his campaign. He emphasizes his business acumen as proof of his capability to bring innovation to state government, yet his political inheritance looms large over his intentions.
Then there’s Stefany Shaheen, the daughter of retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen. As she enters a crowded primary for New Hampshire’s open House seat, her views are already setting her apart from her mother, showcasing a generational divide. The younger Shaheen’s unwillingness to support a bipartisan agreement brokered by her mother indicates the challenging dynamics within their party.
Lastly, Adelita Grijalva, who recently won her father’s congressional seat after his passing, stands out by virtue of her established history in local politics. With over two decades of public service under her belt, including significant time on the Pima County Board of Supervisors, Grijalva’s campaign may bridge the gap between political legacy and personal achievement. Her statement emphasizes her father’s influence while affirming her capacity to serve independently, stating, “I stand on my own two feet in my service to the people of Southern Arizona.”
While many heirs appear to lean on their family reputations, the path isn’t without its pitfalls. Candidates like Schlossberg and Bush may face judgment based not only on their names but also on their merits—an increasingly important factor in the modern political landscape.
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