New York City Councilman prepares to challenge Hakeem Jeffries in Democratic primary
A 27-year-old progressive New York City Council member is considering running against current House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in the Democratic congressional primary.
Chi Ossé has not yet launched his official campaign for Congress and only presented his documentation to the Federal Electoral Commission on Monday. The news comes as younger, more left-leaning politicians, such as New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, appear to be gaining ground across the country.
“Not only have Democratic Party leaders failed to effectively fight Donald Trump, they have also failed to deliver a vision we can all believe in,” Ossé said in a statement to News themezone on Monday.
“These failures are some of the many reasons why I am currently exploring a possible run for New York’s 8th Congressional District,” he added.
Ossé represents New York City’s 36th district, which includes Bedford-Stuyvesant (also known as Bed-Stuy) and North Crown Heights, in the New York City Council, and began identifying as a democratic socialist this year.
An Ossé made the comment to Axios last month when rumors surfaced about his possible candidacy.
“Looks like we’re in dire straits,” he responded to the X user.
Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images
A spokesman for Jeffries said he welcomes Ossé’s potential challenge.
“Leader Jeffries is fighting hard to reduce the high cost of living, address the Republican health crisis, combat corruption and regain control of the House for the good of the country,” spokesman Justin Chermol told NBC News in a statement. “We welcome this major challenge and look forward to a rigorous debate about the kind of serious leadership required to deliver for the people of Brooklyn and the nation.”
In an op-ed Monday for Jacobin, a New York-based socialist magazine, Ossé said he joined the Democratic Socialists of America to fight for the working class and defend against fascism.
He also mentioned his initial support for Mamdani, who ran a successful campaign as a democratic socialist.
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“I joined DSA earlier this year because the movement that brought Zohran to power must become a tidal wave,” Ossé wrote. “Us [DSA] We wholeheartedly believe that the world can look different, that there can be enough for everyone, and that we can make that our reality. “Our power comes from building solidarity among working people of all backgrounds and demonstrating that when we fight together, we win.”
Notably, The New York Times reported that Mamdani attempted to dissuade Ossé from confronting Jeffries.
Representatives for Jeffries and Mamdani did not immediately respond to News themezone’s request for comment.