Exclusive: AOC says Jeffries primary challenge not a "good idea"

[lapucelle]

Link to tweet

Exclusive: AOC says Jeffries primary challenge not a "good idea"

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) signaled in an interview with Axios on Monday that she would not support New York City Council member Chi Ossé in a primary challenge against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).

snip==============

Ocasio-Cortez is one of several high-profile progressives distancing from Ossé's potential run, arguing that it is a distraction from New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's victory.

Progressive Change Campaign Committee head Adam Green told Politico "it is not the right moment to launch a primary challenge against Hakeem Jeffries."

Mamdani also appeared to discourage his fellow Democratic Socialists of America member on Monday."I believe that there are many ways right here in New York City to both deliver on an affordability agenda and take on the authoritarian administration in the White House," Mamdani told reporters of Ossé.

https://www.axios.com/2025/11/18/aoc-jeffries-chi-osse-new-york-democrats

[SunSeeker]

1. I agree. nt

[Conjuay]

2. I disagree- enough of these light weights.

We need people who spit fire and piss vinegar.
There is no "high ground" when you're in a snake pit.

[SunSeeker]

3. Jeffries is not a "light weight." He has been a good minority leader in the House.

A Speaker's job requires more than spitting fire and pissing vinegar. It requires the ability to herd cats. AOC is right that a primary challenge against Jeffries by 27 year old Chi Osse is not a good idea. Mamdani appears to agree as well.

[sheshe2]

4. I disagree with you...

And actually, agree with AOC.

What she's saying: Ocasio-Cortez told Axios during a brief interview at the U.S. Capitol that she was "not aware" that Ossé was challenging Jeffries.

"But," she added, "I certainly don't think a primary challenge to the leader is a good idea right now."

[Cha]

6. What? Leader Jeffries is NOT a "lightweight". ...

And he's going to make an Excellent Speaker of the House.

[onenote]

9. Who do you think would be speaker if Jeffries was ousted from Congress

Who do you think that the Democratic caucus would choose, assuming Jeffries is ousted and the Democrats win control of the of the House in 2026?

[W_HAMILTON]

13. Not Osse, that's for sure.

It would probably be Katherine Clark or Pete Aguilar -- more good Democrats that these people would want to primary out of office.

[onenote]

16. Exactly.

[W_HAMILTON]

12. No, we don't.

There are plenty of people on social media who "spit fire and piss vinegar" and that may make some people feel better or feel like they are doing something useful, but competent and capable governance is a far different skill than shitposting on the internet.

[sheshe2]

5. Thank you, lapucelle.

AOC is correct.

[Cha]

7. And not just AOC... This is exactly what

we were saying on a thread announcing Osse may run.

Grateful Smarter heads are Speaking out! Thank you!

Mahalo, lapucelle.. Great Find and the Timing!

[Quiet Em]

8. She's right. It's an extremely stupid and foolish idea.

Democrats are well positioned to retake the House in '26 and Hakeem Jeffries will be Speaker. The only thing this move does is create unnecessary division and helps Republicans create stupid narratives in their attempts to weaken Jeffries.

[W_HAMILTON]

10. AOC and Mamdani not wanting this guy to primary Jeffries?

"""MODERATE ESTABLISHMENT NEOLIBERAL CORPORATIST!!1!"""

[sheshe2]

22. LOL!!!

[spanone]

11. Thank you AOC.

[mcar]

14. She is correct. We need to run against Republicans.

[uponit7771]

15. I agree, we all know Jeffries wasn't a party leader but a House leader

... even then he still did a horrible job at communicating on many fronts

[Cha]

17. AOC dosn't think so.. I've heard her Praise

Leader Jeffries before.. and she's in he House and Knows what's going on..

Unlike those on the internet that bash Hakeem Jeffries.

[uponit7771]

19. He deserves praise for being a great parliminatarian, I don't think he needs to go

[Cha]

20. Good!

[tritsofme]

18. If a candidate wages a pointless quixotic campaign in NYC and nobody is there to see it. Did it really happen?

[Cha]

21. I would think Not.. Patriots have Serious

Elections to Attend to.