Progressive Leaders Show Caution in Democratic Primary Battle
Two prominent progressive figures in New York politics have demonstrated reluctance to support a primary challenge against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani both expressed reservations about Councilmember Chi Ossé's decision to file paperwork challenging the Democratic leader.
Key Figures Voice Concerns
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made her position clear in a statement to Axios on Monday, shortly after Ossé formally entered the race. "I certainly don't think a primary challenge to the leader is a good thing right now," the Democratic representative from New York stated. Her comments came after initial uncertainty, as she had told reporters she wasn't "aware" of Ossé's expected bid when first asked about it.
Meanwhile, Zohran Mamdani suggested that Ossé's talents might be better utilized at the local level. "While I appreciate the great work that Councilmember Ossé has done on the council, especially for tenants, 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," Mamdani declared.
The Challenger's Perspective
Chi Ossé, the 27-year-old democratic socialist who represents Bedford-Stuyvesant and North Crown Heights, defended his decision to challenge Jeffries. In a statement to HuffPost reporter Taiyler Mitchell, Ossé explained that Democratic leadership had failed to "effectively fight back against Donald Trump" and to "deliver a vision that we can all believe in."
The young councilmember brings a record of activism and legislative accomplishment to his campaign. He previously organized demonstrations against police brutality and successfully advocated for legislation to curb broker fees for tenants, demonstrating his progressive credentials.
Strategic Timing Concerns
According to a New York Times report, Mamdani had actively discouraged Ossé from running and expressed concerns that another prominent primary contest could endanger his ability to advance an affordability agenda with the Democratic establishment.
Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, emphasized that timing played a crucial role in the opposition to Ossé's campaign. "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," Green stated in comments to Politico.
The political context includes recent progressive backlash toward Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's handling of the government shutdown, during which Jeffries stood by his colleague. Ossé's decision to file with the Federal Election Commission follows this internal Democratic tension.
Spokespeople for both Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdani did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment or elaboration on their statements, leaving some questions about their full reasoning unanswered.
