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Brooklyn Councilmember Chi Ossé Files to Challenge House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries

The 27-year-old progressive formed a campaign committee, initiating a 2026 primary test of the party’s left-versus-establishment tensions.

Overview

  • FEC records show a new "Chi Osse for Congress" committee filed Monday for New York’s 8th District, with an ActBlue page set up to begin fundraising.
  • Osse said Democratic leaders have failed to confront President Donald Trump or offer a galvanizing vision and described himself as currently exploring the run, adding on X, "Seems like we’re in a dire situation."
  • Jeffries’ campaign, through spokesperson Justin Chermol, said they welcome a primary and touted the leader’s focus on costs, health care and winning back the House; Jeffries also said, "Come on in, the water’s warm."
  • Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has privately urged Ossé not to proceed, and progressive strategist Adam Green of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee said this is not the right moment for a challenge.
  • Ossé, a Gen Z councilmember who recently rejoined DSA and represents Bedford-Stuyvesant and North Crown Heights, now faces questions about endorsements and fundraising against an incumbent who hasn’t had a competitive primary in years.