A ripple of political tension is spreading through New York as a challenge to House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries begins to take shape. The potential primary fight, spearheaded by New York City Council member Chi Osse, has already prompted a careful distancing from prominent progressive figure, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Osse, a close ally of incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, announced his intention to contest Jeffries’ seat in the 2026 primary. Ocasio-Cortez initially claimed to be unaware of the challenge, but quickly added a pointed assessment: a primary against the current leader was, in her view, ill-advised at this moment.
Mamdani himself offered a carefully worded response, seemingly hesitant to fully embrace Osse’s move. He emphasized the importance of focusing on local affordability issues and opposing the current presidential administration, subtly diverting attention from the internal Democratic struggle.
Reports indicate Mamdani had previously cautioned Osse against directly confronting Jeffries. This challenge represents a clear attempt by the party’s progressive wing to unseat established Democratic leadership, fueled by recent successes in New York City and key gubernatorial victories in other states.
Jeffries’ support for Mamdani’s mayoral bid was notably delayed. He initially hesitated to endorse the socialist candidate, who had already shaken the political landscape by securing the Democratic nomination. An eleventh-hour endorsement finally arrived just before early voting began.
The district in question, New York’s 8th, encompasses a significant portion of Brooklyn. Osse currently represents the vibrant neighborhoods of Bedford-Stuyvesant and North Crown Heights, bringing a distinctly local perspective to the potential congressional race.
Osse’s political journey began as an organizer during the pivotal Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. Elected to the City Council in 2021 at the remarkably young age of 23, he became the youngest member of the Council and the first representative of Generation Z.
While Osse has officially filed paperwork to establish a campaign committee, “Chi Osse for Congress,” a formal announcement of his candidacy remains pending. He recently addressed past statements dismissing a run for Congress, claiming the current political climate constitutes the “dire situation” that would compel him to consider such a move.
The unfolding situation highlights a growing divide within the Democratic Party, as a new generation of progressive leaders tests the boundaries of established power. The coming months will reveal whether Osse’s challenge gains traction and reshapes the political landscape of New York and beyond.
