AOC Distances Herself From Far-Left Bid to Primary Hakeem Jeffries as Chi Ossé Signals 2026 Challenge

AOC steps back from far-left effort to challenge House Democratic Leader

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez publicly distanced herself from a far-left effort this week to mount a primary challenge against House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, saying she was unaware of the move and that now is not the right time for such a contest.

The controversy centers on New York City Council member Chi Ossé, an ally of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who has taken steps that suggest he may challenge Jeffries in the 2026 Democratic primary. Ossé filed a statement of organization for a campaign committee, "Chi Ossé for Congress," with Katz Compliance, a campaign-finance vendor, but has not issued a formal candidacy announcement.

Ocasio-Cortez told reporters she was "not aware" of Ossé's effort and added, "But I certainly don't think a primary challenge to the leader is a good idea right now."

Mamdani, who shares ties with Ossé through progressive circles and the Democratic Socialists of America, responded cautiously when asked about the potential challenge. He told reporters, "I believe that there are many ways right here in New York City to both deliver on an affordability agenda and take on the authoritarian administration in the White House." Media reports say Mamdani privately urged Ossé not to run.

Ossé, who began in politics as an organizer during the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, was elected to the City Council in 2021 at age 23, becoming the Council's youngest and first Gen Z member. He represents Bedford-Stuyvesant and North Crown Heights in Brooklyn. Critics note that just last month he said he was not planning to run for Congress, adding, "It would take a very dire situation in order for me to even consider spending the rest of my 20s in DC." On social media this week, Ossé wrote that recent events make the situation "seem like we’re in a dire situation."

The potential challenge reflects a broader generational and ideological tension within the Democratic Party: a rising progressive, younger wing pushing for bolder change versus established leadership seeking unity and strategic cohesion. Jeffries himself initially hesitated to endorse Mamdani in the mayoral race but ultimately issued a late endorsement before early voting.

What to watch: Whether Ossé formally launches a campaign, how other national and local Democrats respond, and whether this episode signals a larger movement to contest party leadership in coming cycles.

Reporting summarized from public statements and media coverage.