Will Jeffries Face a Primary Challenge by This Gen Z Progressive?

The prevailing narrative on the right about the Schumer Shutdown is that the New York Democrat is digging his heels in to satisfy the far-left wing of his party. He’s particularly concerned about a potential 2028 primary challenge from progressive darling AOC. Some also argue he’s waiting until after the Oct. 18 “No Kings” protest in Washington, D.C., to cave, which according to a prediction from Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA), won’t look like him capitulating. Rather, Kennedy believes he’ll convince a number of Democrats to change their tune while he will remain a “no” to appease the far-left base. How the Democrat Shutdown actually ends remains to be seen, but according to new reporting from Axios, Schumer may not be the only Democrat leader fearful of a challenge from far-left progressives. 

New York City Council member Chi Ossé, a close ally of Zohran Mamdani, is privately discussing a run against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), three people familiar with the discussions tell Axios.

Why it matters: Just talking about a potential campaign could drive a further wedge between Mamdani — the democratic socialist in line to be New York’s next mayor — and Jeffries, who so far has declined to endorse Mamdani.

• Ossé enters the picture as Mamdani is trying to assuage some Democrats’ concerns about his mayoral campaign against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who’s running as an independent.
• Ossé, 27, has a ubiquitous social media presence that Mamdani has cited as a major influence. Any effort by Ossé to unseat Jeffries — one of the most powerful Democrats in the nation — likely would deepen the divide within the Democratic Party over age and ideology.

Behind the scenes: Ossé, who backed Mamdani in the mayoral primary and headlined a rally and canvass efforts for him, has spoken privately with progressive groups about potentially taking on Jeffries in the Democratic primary next year, the sources said.

• The discussions are in the beginning stages, but some organizations have expressed interest in an insurgent campaign. (Axios)

Scoop w/ @hollyotterbein:

NYC Council member Chi Ossé, a close ally of Zohran Mamdani, has been privately discussing a run against Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), per 3 ppl familiar.

Comes weeks before the mayoral election & Jeffries has not endorsed Zohran.https://t.co/URdaVBiJFD

— Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) October 9, 2025