DSA Divide: Why They Didn’t Endorse Chi Ossé Against Jeffries

Chi Osse Credit: Emil Cohen:NYC Council Media Unit

Per NYC Newswire, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) chapter in New York City opted not to endorse Council Member Chi Ossé in his Democratic primary run against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in New York’s 8th Congressional District. The news was delivered to members by an internal email sent out on Saturday night.

The internal communication said, “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.”

According to DSA, 52 percent of voting members declined to endorse Ossé, while the rest either supported him or abstained. The close result highlights the division within the group’s membership and hints at growing fractures in DSA’s previously unified front in New York.

Mamdani Encouraged Caution on Endorsing

Days before the decision, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani sent a message to DSA members recommending against endorsing Ossé. Mamdani suggested the group stay out of the NY-08 primary, urging that their focus remain on affordability, which was key in his own recent mayoral campaign.

Concern Among Members Influenced the Result

Debate persisted among DSA members all week, both online and behind the scenes. Some raised criticism of Jeffries, noting large campaign contributions from AIPAC and his late endorsement of Mamdani during the mayoral race’s early voting period.

Meanwhile, questions arose about Ossé’s engagement with DSA. Some members pointed out that Ossé only became a dues-paying DSA member this past summer during Mamdani’s campaign, raising doubts about his sustained commitment to DSA goals.

Impact on the NY-08 Congressional Contest

With no DSA endorsement, Ossé moves forward challenging Jeffries without the group’s backing, even as DSA remains influential in New York politics. Jeffries maintains his incumbent edge, while Ossé campaigns without an endorsement boost.

DSA has provided no additional comments beyond confirming the vote results. Both the Ossé and Jeffries camps have yet to issue statements on DSA’s choice.

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