Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is distancing herself from a far-left push to unseat House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries in the 2026 primary, signaling caution even as younger members of the party consider challenging established leadership.
Ocasio-Cortez’s comments came after New York City Council member Chi Ossé, a close confidant of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, announced an effort to challenge Jeffries. When asked about Ossé’s campaign, the congresswoman said she was “not aware” of his challenge. She quickly added, however, that “But I certainly don’t think a primary challenge to the leader is a good idea right now.”
Mamdani, who is also affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America, offered a measured response when asked about Ossé’s plans. “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 told reporters Monday, signaling that even members of the socialist wing of the party were hesitant to confront Jeffries directly.
The New York Post reported last week that Mamdani had urged Ossé not to pursue a challenge to the Democratic House leader, reflecting the party’s caution in navigating internal divisions.
Ossé’s planned campaign represents a direct challenge to the Democratic establishment from the younger, progressive wing of the party.
The effort comes as Democrats ride a wave of electoral successes, including Mamdani’s upset in the New York City mayoral primary and gubernatorial victories in New Jersey and Virginia.
Jeffries initially hesitated to endorse Mamdani during the mayoral race but eventually offered an 11th-hour endorsement before early voting began in June.
New York’s 8th Congressional District, which Ossé would contest, covers parts of Brooklyn, including Bedford-Stuyvesant and North Crown Heights, neighborhoods he currently represents on the City Council. Ossé began his political career as an organizer during the Black Lives Matter movement of 2020 and was elected to City Council in 2021 at age 23, becoming the youngest member and the first Gen Z representative.
Ossé has taken preliminary steps toward a congressional campaign, filing a statement of organization for “Chi Ossé for Congress” through Katz Compliance, a political campaign finance provider, though he has not made a formal announcement. Last month, he said, “It would take a very dire situation in order for me to even consider spending the rest of my 20s in DC. Just to be clear, I’m not running for Congress.” Responding to criticism on X this past Monday, Ossé wrote, “it seems like we’re in a dire situation,” leaving open the possibility of a run despite his earlier reservations.
The episode highlights ongoing tension between the party’s youthful progressive insurgency and the established Democratic leadership. While younger members like Ossé and Mamdani have gained attention for their bold, unconventional campaigns, senior figures such as Ocasio-Cortez and Jeffries appear cautious about opening an intra-party battle that could disrupt the caucus ahead of future elections.
As the 2026 cycle approaches, Democrats may be forced to balance the ambitions of rising stars with the need to maintain unity and protect the party’s leadership structure.
[READ MORE: House Democrats Splinter Over Resolution Condemning García’s Retirement Maneuver]
