DSA members decide not to support Hakeem Jeffries’ primary opponent Chi Osse

DSA in NYC Votes Against Supporting Chi Osse’s Primary Challenge

A significant vote took place within New York City’s Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) chapter, resulting in a narrow decision not to endorse City Councilman Chi Osse in his Democratic primary challenge against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

This outcome was viewed as a win for mayor-elect and DSA councilor Zoran Mamdani, who advised against supporting a challenge to Rep. Jeffries during last week’s meeting.

Jeffries has been serving in the House since 2013, and there’s a possibility he could assume the role of House Speaker if Democrats manage to regain control in the 2026 midterms.

Mamdani is aiming to foster better relationships with Democratic leaders in Washington and Albany, focusing on policies that promote affordability and shield the city from potential funding cuts from President Trump following his inauguration.

On Saturday night, the DSA Citywide Election Task Force revealed that 626 members, which is about 52%, voted against the endorsement of Chi Osse for New York’s 8th Congressional District, while 555 members, or 46%, supported it.

The district is shaped like a backward C, encompassing areas from the Brooklyn neighborhood of Clinton Hill to Bed-Stuy, Brownsville, Canarsie, Sheepshead Bay, and Sea Gate.

“Last Wednesday, Councilor Océ spoke to the Elections Working Group (EWG) at a candidate forum. After his speech, there was a robust discussion regarding the viability of his candidacy, the political landscape in the district, and the potential implications of endorsing a campaign. At the end of the forum, we launched an online poll for councilors who were present to gauge support for endorsing Councilor Océ,” the DSA EWG stated.

“The lack of a majority recommendation from voting members means the EWG will refrain from endorsing Councilor Océ at this time,” the announcement continued.

Despite the outcome, Osse, who recently joined the DSA, expressed his commitment, stating, “New York City DSA is never going anywhere,” following the vote.