Overview
- Ossé filed an FEC Statement of Organization for “Chi Osse for Congress” and opened an ActBlue page, confirming a 2026 Democratic primary bid in New York’s 8th District.
- Jeffries’ campaign said it welcomes a primary and a “rigorous debate,” pointing to his work on costs, health care and winning back the House.
- Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has privately and publicly discouraged the run, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said a challenge to the leader is “not a good idea right now.”
- The race underscores sharp ideological differences, including Ossé’s outspoken criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza versus Jeffries’ staunchly pro-Israel stance.
- Jeffries has rarely faced competitive primaries and is in line for the speakership if Democrats retake the House, while DSA and other endorsements for Ossé remain unresolved.