Ocasio-Cortez Comments on Jeffries-Ose Race
At the U.S. Capitol on Monday, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez mentioned she was “not aware” that New York City Councilman Chi Ose was challenging House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. She remarked, “I certainly don’t think a major challenge to leadership is a good idea at this point.”
Recently, Ose filed the necessary paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to establish his campaign committee, “Chi Ose for Congress,” announcing his run for New York’s 8th Congressional District. Jeffries has held this position since 2013 and hasn’t faced a serious primary challenge since his initial election.
Ose identifies as a queer Buddhist activist and has returned to the Democratic Socialist Party of America. This is the same group that backed Zoran Mamdani, with Ose actively supporting Mamdani’s recent mayoral campaign.
However, sources indicate that Mamdani has advised Ose against running against Jeffries, concerned that it might strain relations between the more radical factions of the party and its moderate members as he continues his policy initiatives. It’s reported that Mamdani did not include Ose in his election night festivities.
This week, Mamdani reiterated his stance against the challenge, stating to reporters, “We believe there are many ways to achieve affordable policy and challenge the authoritarian regime in the White House here in New York City.”
Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, echoed similar sentiments. He emphasized that progressives in New York should prioritize helping Mamdani succeed with affordability policies, suggesting that launching a primary challenge against Hakeem Jeffries isn’t wise, especially after Mamdani’s decisive victory and the steadfastness of House Democrats in recent issues.
Meanwhile, Jeffries responded during a press conference regarding Ose’s candidacy, suggesting that some city council members felt Democratic leadership has struggled to effectively confront President Trump. His remark “Come on, the water is warm” indicates a level of confidence about the current political landscape.
Polling data indicates significant generational and ideological shifts within the party. A July survey funded by pro-Palestinian policy groups showed substantial backing for Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez among New York Democrats, with 68% viewing Mamdani positively and 75% feeling similarly about Ocasio-Cortez. The same poll revealed lower favorability for more traditional leaders, with Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer at 58% and 50%, respectively. Additionally, 72% of polled voters expressed support for candidates advocating for a halt to U.S. arms sales to Israel, a priority for Mamdani’s campaign.
Ose’s challenge to Jeffries comes amidst renewed scrutiny following disclosed documents indicating that Jeffries sought support from Jeffrey Epstein. An email from May 2013, originating from Jeffries’ team, characterized him as the “Obama of Brooklyn” and invited Epstein, who had recently been released from prison, to a Democratic fundraising event with President Obama. The email also encouraged Epstein to assist Jeffries’ efforts to help the Democrats gain a majority. This has been used by House Oversight Chairman James Comer in raising awareness about the Epstein File Transparency Act, which passed the House with an overwhelming majority of 427-1.
