DSA Votes Against Endorsing Chi Osse in Primary Challenge to Hakeem Jeffries
A key group within New York City’s Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) chapter narrowly voted against endorsing City Councilman Chi Osse in his Democratic primary challenge to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
The decision was a win for Mayor-elect and DSA member Zohran Mamdani, who advised the chapter not to back Osse in a meeting last week. Mamdani is working to strengthen ties with Democratic leadership in Washington and Albany to advance his affordability agenda and shield the city from potential funding threats from former President Trump.
The DSA Citywide Electoral Working Group reported that 52% of members (626) voted against recommending Osse, while 46% (555) voted in favor. The district, shaped like a backward C, stretches across Brooklyn neighborhoods including Clinton Hill, Bed-Stuy, Brownsville, Canarsie, Sheepshead Bay, and Sea Gate.
Following a candidate forum last Wednesday, members debated Osse’s candidacy, the political landscape of the district, and strategic considerations of committing the chapter to his campaign. The forum was followed by an online vote of members who RSVP’d
Since Osse failed to win majority support, the Electoral Working Group did not make an endorsement recommendation.
After the vote, Osse, who recently joined the DSA, declared: “NYC DSA FOREVER. I’M NOT GOING ANYWHERE.”
