Overview
- Ossé, a 27-year-old New York City councilmember, filed FEC paperwork and created a Chi Ossé for Congress committee, with an ActBlue page set up for fundraising.
- He says he is exploring a run because Democratic leadership has failed to counter President Donald Trump and to offer a compelling vision.
- Jeffries’ campaign said it welcomes the primary challenge, and the House Democratic leader told reporters, “Come on in, the water’s warm.”
- Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has privately discouraged the bid, and figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Progressive Change Campaign Committee have urged caution, with DSA backing still unclear.
- The prospective contest is a rare challenge to a House leader and underscores ideological splits in New York Democrats, including sharp differences over Israel-Gaza.