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, many GOP lawmakers say. 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 potentially facing 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:
— Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) October 9, 2025
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
Ossé, for his part, insists he's not running, telling the outlet "it would take a very dire situation in order for me to even consider spending the rest of my 20s in dc." And a Mamdani official told Axios after publication "this ain't us." So, is this more fake news or will Jeffries face a primary challenge from the far-left in 2026? Time will tell.
