Chi Ossé launches primary challenge against Rep. Hakeem Jeffries

Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News on Nov 18, 2025

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

NEW YORK — Progressive New York City Councilman Chi Ossé filed paperwork Monday to challenge Hakeem Jeffries for his Brooklyn-based congressional seat.

Ossé, 27, had previously shot down speculation that he was challenging Jeffries, the powerful House minority leader, saying in early October it would take a “dire situation” to convince him to run for Congress.

“Seems like we’re in a dire situation,” he wrote Monday on social media when asked about his apparent change of heart.

Despite his trying to shut down any rumors of a primary challenge back in October, multiple outlets reported last week that Ossé was still considering it. He formally filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Monday.

Jeffries, 55, Congress’s highest-ranking Democrat, has represented New York’s 8th District since 2013. A moderate, he has run unopposed in primaries in five of the past seven elections, and has cruised to victory in general elections in the heavily Democratic district.

“We welcome this primary challenge and look forward to a rigorous debate about the type of serious leadership required to deliver for the people of Brooklyn and the nation,” a Jeffries spokesman said in a statement.

Ossé, the City Council’s youngest member, represents the 36th District, covering parts of Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights. He’s been considered a rising progressive star since his election at age 23. He joined New York’s chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America over the summer.

Ossé and Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani appeared together during Mamdani’s campaign for mayor, but they have apparently clashed over Ossé’s plans to challenge Jeffries. Mamdani, who reportedly asked him to hold off on any such challenge, did not answer questions Monday about Ossé’s filing. Ossé was not present at Mamdani’s victory party on election night two weeks ago.

_____