New York City Council member Chi Ossé is stepping into a contentious political arena. The 26-year-old Democratic Socialist has filed paperwork to primary House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries in 2026, despite previously stating he had no interest in running for Congress. This pivot sets up a confrontation between the party’s far-left faction and its establishment, coinciding with significant Democratic gains in the upcoming 2025 off-year elections.
The reaction from prominent figures within Ossé’s political circle has been cautious. Both Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, fellow champions of democratic socialism, have expressed reservations about Ossé’s decision. AOC called the challenge “a bad idea,” emphasizing the need for unity during these politically charged times. She noted, “I love Chi and respect his voice, but right now we need to be unifying, not dividing,” pointing out that challenging the party leader so far ahead of the election could be detrimental.
Mamdani echoed similar sentiments, urging Ossé to focus his efforts locally rather than on a two-year congressional primary race. He stated, “Chi is my brother and comrade, but I told him privately and I’ll say publicly: this energy is better spent holding the new Trump administration accountable from City Hall.” This highlights a disconnect between the ambitions of Ossé and the tactical advice from experienced leaders within the party.
The messaging from Ossé has been somewhat contradictory. Initially, he asserted that he would not consider a congressional run unless there was a “very dire situation.” Yet, as the situation around him evolved, he declared, “Seems like we’re in a dire situation,” suggesting a rapid succession of thought that could leave potential supporters unsure of his intentions.
As Ossé ramps up his campaign, he is criticized not just by peers but also faces skepticism from within the Democratic ranks. NYC Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) co-chair Devin McMarck remarked, “This is exactly the wrong fight at the wrong time. We just won the NYC mayoralty — let’s govern and build power instead of burning it in a circular firing squad.” This reflects a broader concern among Democrats regarding party cohesion and strategy in a period marked by challenges and opportunities.
In his critique of Jeffries, Ossé highlighted the need for representation that prioritizes everyday people over political convenience: “I’m running for Congress because the people of NY-08 deserve a representative who will fight for them every single day.” He characterized Jeffries as a “corporate Democrat,” asserting that the party requires leaders who are genuine fighters for the working class, rather than those who maintain the status quo.
Despite the turmoil surrounding Ossé’s primary challenge, Jeffries himself appears unfazed. According to a statement on his official website, “Leader Jeffries is focused on winning back the House majority in 2026 and holding Donald Trump accountable. He welcomes all Democratic voters to the process.” This suggests that while Ossé’s challenge may create ripples of dissent, Jeffries is committed to broadening party support and maintaining focus on the overarching goals of winning elections.
The upcoming midterms promise to be a battlefield for both factions within the Democratic Party. On one side, pioneering figures like Ossé are pushing to reshape the party from the grassroots, while established leaders like Jeffries strive to maintain party unity in the face of external competition. As this political drama unfolds, the implications of Ossé’s primary effort will likely reverberate across New York City and beyond.
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