New York City Councilman Chi Ose Ends Campaign Against Hakeem Jeffries

Chi Ose, a left-handed member of the New York City Council, has decided to withdraw his brief campaign challenging House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. This move comes in the wake of opposition from Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani and a lack of support from the Democratic Socialists of America in New York, according to recent reports.

Ose was seen as a significant figure among progressives supporting Mamdani’s bid to unseat former Governor Andrew Cuomo, aiming to take on established Democratic figures. However, it seems the tides have turned.

In an email to his supporters, Ose communicated, “As a result of the search process, we’ve determined that a campaign for House Minority Leader this year is not viable. Therefore, we are ending the search process and will not begin a campaign.”

The challenge from Brooklyn’s younger political players stirred controversy within the Democratic Socialists of America, leading Mamdani to personally ask the organization not to support Ose’s primary run.

Interestingly, sources have indicated that Mamdani restricted Ose from participating in his victory celebration due to tensions surrounding the campaign. A working group within NYC-DSA recently decided against endorsing Ose, complicating any potential path forward for him.

Ose expressed his sentiments via social media post after the decision, stating, “New York City DSA is never going anywhere.” Meanwhile, Jeffries had been hesitant but ultimately threw his support behind Mamdani right before the mayoral election.

In a statement, Jeffries’ spokesperson noted, “Leader Jeffries is grateful for the broad support he has from all corners of New York’s 8th Congressional District. He remains committed to lowering the high cost of living, protecting Americans’ health care, and improving the lives of the communities he is privileged to represent in Brooklyn.”