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During a brief encounter with Axios at the U.S. Capitol on Monday, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addressed the burgeoning political development involving New York City Councilman Chi Ossé. She expressed her surprise, admitting she was “not aware” of Ossé’s decision to enter the electoral race against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “I certainly don’t think a primary challenge to the leader is a good idea right now,” she remarked.
This revelation follows the recent filing by Ossé, who has officially registered a campaign committee named “Chi Osse for Congress” with the Federal Election Commission. This move signals his intention to vie for the seat in New York’s 8th Congressional District, a position Jeffries has held since 2013 without facing formidable primary opposition.
Ossé, noted for his identity as a queer Buddhist activist, has rejoined the Democratic Socialists of America. This organization previously endorsed Zohran Mamdani, whom Ossé supported during Mamdani’s mayoral campaign.
Nevertheless, Zohran Mamdani has reportedly advised Ossé against challenging Jeffries. Sources suggest Mamdani fears such a move could strain the delicate balance between the party’s radical left wing and its moderate members, potentially hindering his broader political objectives. In a telling sign of the political tension, Axios and other media outlets reported that Mamdani did not extend an invitation to Ossé for his election night celebration.
This week, Mamdani doubled down on his opposition to the challenge, telling reporters, “I believe that there are many ways right here in New York City to both deliver on an affordability agenda and take on the authoritarian administration in the White House.”
Striking a similar note, Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee aligned with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, remarked, “Every progressive, especially in New York, should be doing everything they can to help Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani be successful in passing and implementing his affordability agenda. Especially at this moment, just after Mamdani’s big victory and House Democrats holding firm during the shutdown fight, it is not the right moment to launch a primary challenge to Hakeem Jeffries.”
On Monday, Jeffries was asked at a press conference to respond to Ossé’s decision to contest the seat, which the councilman has stated is motivated by his belief that Democratic leadership has failed to effectively fight against President Donald Trump. Jeffries replied, “Come on in, the water is warm.”
Recent polling underscores a notable generational and ideological transformation within the Democratic Party. A July survey, backed by a pro-Palestinian policy group, highlighted robust support for figures like Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez among New York Democrats. The data revealed that 68 percent of respondents viewed Mamdani favorably, while 75 percent had a positive opinion of Ocasio-Cortez.
The same poll indicated lower favorability for more traditional leaders, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries at 58 percent and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer at 50 percent. Additionally, 72 percent of surveyed voters favored candidates who would vote to withhold U.S. weapons to Israel—positions central to Mamdani’s campaign.
Ossé’s challenge comes as Jeffries faces new questions following the release of documents showing his campaign solicited support from Jeffrey Epstein. A May 2013 email from a representative of Jeffries’ team at the firm Dynamic SRG described him as “Brooklyn’s Obama” and invited Epstein, then recently out of prison, to a Democratic fundraising dinner with President Obama. The message also encouraged Epstein to support Jeffries’ efforts to help Democrats win a majority. House Oversight Chair James Comer cited the email while promoting the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which passed the House 427 to 1.