Chi Osse Credit: Emil Cohen:NYC Council Media Unit
According to NYC Newswire, members of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have declined to endorse Council Member Chi Ossé in his primary race against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in NY-08. The rejection was announced in an email sent to members Saturday night.
As stated in the email, “Given that Council Member Ossé failed to win support for a recommendation of endorsement from a majority of voting members, the Electoral Working Group OC does not make a recommendation for endorsement at this time.”
DSA shared that 52 percent voted against endorsing Ossé, while others supported or abstained, revealing a deep split within the ranks and a possible sign of changing unity within NYC DSA circles.
Mamdani Urged DSA to Withhold an Endorsement
In the lead up to the decision, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani advised DSA members to decline an endorsement. Mamdani’s note urged focus on affordability issues—a key message from his recent mayoral run—rather than involvement in the NY-08 contest.
Internal Deliberations Shaped the Vote
Throughout the week, DSA members debated both online and internally. Some voiced criticism of Jeffries, mentioning his AIPAC-connected donations and the timing of his endorsement for Mamdani during the mayoral primary’s early voting window.
Meanwhile, others questioned Ossé’s DSA credentials, emphasizing that he only became a dues-paying member in the summer during Mamdani’s campaign—fueling doubts about his alignment with DSA’s longer-term objectives.
NY-08 Primary: What’s Next?
Now, Ossé continues his run in the NY-08 Congressional primary without DSA’s support, while Jeffries remains the incumbent with traditional advantages. The absence of a DSA endorsement could impact Ossé’s efforts moving forward.
DSA has not released further statements except to confirm the vote. Both Ossé’s campaign and Jeffries’ office remain silent on the outcome.
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