In a move that could reshape Brooklyn politics, Chi Ossé, the 27-year-old Black gay New York City Council member and rising progressive voice, has filed paperwork to explore a primary challenge against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in New York’s Eighth Congressional District. Ossé told Axios, “The Democratic Party’s leadership is not only failing to effectively fight back against Donald Trump, they have also failed to deliver a vision that we can all believe in…These failures are some of the many reasons why I am currently exploring a potential run for New York’s 8th Congressional District.”
Ossé’s path into politics began as a Black Lives Matter organizer. Elected at 23, he became the youngest member of the City Council and its only Gen Z representative. Known for bold fashion, including Met Gala appearances, and outspoken progressive policies, he champions innovative and human-centered public safety solutions, housing affordability, and anti-overdose protections in nightlife spaces. His potential run has stirred tension among progressives. Some allies, including Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, have urged caution, while others warn that challenging Jeffries now may divide the left. Jeffries’ team, however, says they “welcome this primary challeng…and look forward to a rigorous debate.”
