In a political maneuver that could further fracture the Democratic Party, New York City Council member Chi Oss is reportedly considering a primary challenge against House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Oss, known for his past activism with Black Lives Matter and his significant social media presence, is said to be in discussions with progressive groups about potentially running against Jeffries in the upcoming Democratic primary. This development was highlighted in a recent report by Axios, which cited three individuals familiar with the situation.
According to The Washington Free Beacon, Oss's potential candidacy could exacerbate existing tensions within the Democratic Party, particularly between Jeffries and socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, who has already stirred the Democratic establishment, has not received an endorsement from Jeffries, despite the mayoral election looming.
The Axios report suggests that Oss's challenge could intensify the ideological and generational divides within the party, which has been grappling with internal strife, financial woes, and declining approval ratings.
The backdrop to this political drama includes reports from earlier this year indicating that Mamdani's supporters were gearing up to challenge Jeffries and other influential New York Democrats in primaries. While Jeffries initially dismissed these threats, the atmosphere within the party has been one of anxiety and uncertainty.
Some Democrats have been caught in a difficult position, fearing backlash from endorsing Mamdani, whom some privately label as "toxic," while also wary of facing primary challenges themselves.
The repercussions of aligning with Mamdani are already being felt. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who endorsed the socialist candidate, has experienced a significant drop in her poll numbers, with her reelection prospects now appearing precarious. Despite the swirling rumors, Oss has publicly denied any intention to run for Congress.
In text messages to Axios, he stated, "All I have to say is that it would take a very dire situation in order for me to even consider spending the rest of my 20s in dc," and clarified, "Just to be clear, I'm not running for Congress."
Meanwhile, Jeffries' team has issued a stern warning to potential challengers, as reported by Axios. They have threatened to target democratic socialists in the state legislature should they attempt to contest his congressional seat.
This aggressive stance underscores the high stakes involved in this unfolding political saga, as the Democratic Party navigates its internal divisions and the challenges posed by its progressive wing.
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