Chi Osse Files for Congressional Run Against Hakeem Jeffries
Chi Osse, a Democratic Socialist and City Council Member for Brooklyn’s 36th District, has officially submitted paperwork to the Federal Election Commission. His goal? To kick off a Democratic primary challenge in 2026 against the current Congressman, Hakeem Jeffries. Jeffries has held his position since 2013, representing a district that includes parts of Brooklyn.
At just 27, Osse has been on the New York City Council since 2021, where he’s known for his representation of areas like North Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant. His campaign launch signals a significant shift, especially following Zoran Mamdani’s win as mayor, which suggests a rising interest in far-left politics within the state.
This move also emphasizes the growing divide between New York’s Democratic establishment and its emerging socialist factions, differing not just in ideology but also in generational outlook.
“Democratic leadership has not only failed to effectively fight back against Donald Trump, but also failed to offer a vision that we can all believe in,” Osse expressed. “These failures are some of the many reasons why I am now exploring the possibility of competing in the Big 8 tournament in New York’s Congressional District,” he added.
Osse shared his support for Mamdani following the latter’s election, saying, “Socialism not only provides the structural strength to resist fascism but also a positive vision worth fighting for.” He expressed pride in being among the first council members to back Mamdani, connecting him with voters in Brooklyn.
However, even with shared leftist views, Mamdani and his team have reportedly advised Osse against a run, considering it a potential distraction that could hinder Mamdani’s efforts to collaborate with establishment Democrats like Jeffries. There seems to be some tension brewing, with reports indicating Mamdani has avoided direct questions about Osse’s candidacy.
A source noted, “He said he wanted to strike when the iron was hot,” referring to Osse’s eagerness to enter the race following Mamdani’s success.
Mamdani appears to be attempting a balancing act, seeking to maintain peace with the party’s established figures while navigating the aspirations of far-left candidates who hope to mirror his campaign strategies.
In response to Osse’s announcement, a spokesperson for Jeffries remarked, “Leader Jeffries is fighting hard to lower the high cost of living, address the Republican healthcare crisis, fight corruption, and regain control of the House.” He added, “We welcome this major challenge and look forward to tough discussions about serious leadership needed for the people of Brooklyn and the nation.”
The ideological differences are also apparent in their stances on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Osse has been quite vocal on the topic, while Jeffries has defended Israel’s actions, labeling the country as a victim and condemning the Gaza situation in stark terms. Jeffries has publicly acknowledged U.S. support for Israel as “ironclad.”
“I am one of the youngest people in the city,” Osse has mused, positioning his campaign as a modern voice for Brooklyn, while facing an established figure like Jeffries.
