Left-Wing NYC Councilman to Primary Jeffries Amid Shutdown Backfires
Left-wing Gen Z City Councilman Chi Osse is planning to launch a primary challenge against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) in next year’s congressional race — a move made despite direct opposition from New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, according to the New York Post.
“He said he wants to strike when the iron is hot,” one insider said of the TikToker, per The Post.
According to a source, Mamdani told Osse he did not want him to mount a primary challenge against Jeffries, warning that it could upset the fragile truce between the party’s far-left and moderate factions. Mamdani had spent months working to bring the Democratic establishment together in preparation for his upcoming term as mayor, said the outlet.
“Strike while the iron is hot?” another insider complained to The Post. “How about listen to the next mayor, who is the hottest thing in politics right now.”
A second source confirmed that Osse has already begun assembling a campaign team to take on the Brooklyn Democrat.
The rift between Osse and Mamdani — both known for their active social media presence — was significant enough that Osse skipped the mayor-elect’s victory celebration following his historic win last Tuesday night, noted the outlet.
Osse rejoined the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) over the summer after previously leaving the group in 2020.
The dispute underscores what some political insiders see as a major challenge for the 34-year-old mayor-elect as he works to advance his ambitious socialist agenda. Mamdani will need to balance the interests of the Democratic establishment — including Gov. Kathy Hochul — with those of the insurgent far-left, which is looking to leverage his victory to take on more moderate Democrats.
Osse is expected to formally announce his campaign later this week, The Post reported.
Justin Chermol, a spokesperson for Jeffries, said in a statement the lawmaker “is focused on battling Donald Trump, ending the Republican shutdown of the federal government and addressing the crushing GOP healthcare crisis.”
Republicans have consistently voted to reopen the goverment; however, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, also from New York, has been instructing his Democratic caucus to repeatedly vote no for more than 40 days.
Mamdani campaigned on promises of affordability, free public services, and economic equality. But his victory party in Brooklyn offered none of that — featuring a pricey cash bar where drinks cost up to $22.
The democratic socialist celebrated his narrow win Tuesday night at the newly renovated Brooklyn Paramount, a historic music venue packed with cheering supporters. Mamdani edged out former Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa to capture just over 50% of the vote, The New York Post reported.
But while the self-styled man of the people pledged free buses and universal childcare, his partygoers were greeted with prices more in line with Manhattan’s high-end cocktail lounges.
Photos posted by Politico reporter Jeff Coltin showed Pabst Blue Ribbon beers selling for $13, Montauk Summer Ale for $16, Indian Wells Chardonnay and Riesling for $15, and espresso martini coolers and old fashioneds topping out at $22. Even soft drinks cost $12, and a pretzel-wrapped hot dog went for $10, according to The Post.
The pricey menu quickly circulated online — and so did the mockery.
“Mamdani had a CASH BAR at his victory party,” conservative comedian Jimmy Failla wrote on X. “If you can’t get a free vodka from this guy, something tells me the free food and buses ain’t coming. Congrats, suckers.”
Critics called it a fitting symbol of what they view as hypocrisy from the incoming mayor, who ran a campaign focused on affordability while celebrating with bar prices out of reach for many New Yorkers.
“Nothing says ‘for the people’ like charging $22 for a cocktail,” one user posted.
I GAVE A HOMELESS MAN BREAKFAST FOR YEARS
The tall man nodded, and the others behind him offered gentle smiles. “We all did. Henry changed our lives, just as you did for him,” he explained. My heart swelled, a mix of bewilderment and warmth swirling inside me.
The envelope trembled in my hands as I opened it. Inside was a handwritten note from Henry. His familiar, slightly shaky handwriting brought tears to my eyes.
“Dear Claire,
If you’re reading this, it means I’ve moved on to a different chapter. Please don’t worry about me. Thank you for seeing me when the world didn’t, for your kindness that warmed even the coldest days. I’ve met some incredible people who reminded me of the world’s beauty—people like you.
Today, they stand with you to celebrate love and new beginnings. Each of these men you see here was once where I was—lost, forgotten. Through the kindness of strangers, they found their way back. You showed me it’s never too late for second chances, and I wanted to pass that gift on.
Keep believing, Claire. You’ve made a difference in ways you can’t imagine. I’ll be celebrating with you in spirit.
With deepest gratitude,
Henry”
Tears blurred my vision, but I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. Henry’s life had touched many; his network of kindness had expanded beyond what I ever knew.
The men introduced themselves, each sharing a snippet of how Henry had been a pivotal part of their journey back to life. One had regained custody of his children, another had started a small business, and others had found jobs or reconnected with lost family members. Each story was a testament to the ripple effect of Henry’s quiet strength and compassion.
As I listened, I realized that my small gesture of sharing breakfast had been just the beginning. Henry had taken that act of kindness and multiplied it, sharing hope with those who needed it most. It was a legacy of compassion, a circle of support that expanded beyond any individual.
The paper flowers they held were handcrafted by Henry himself, the tall man explained. Each one was a symbol of resilience, crafted from recycled newspapers and adorned with watercolors, representing a new beginning drawn from the remnants of the past.
We incorporated the paper flowers into the wedding, weaving them into the decorations and even my bouquet. They became a reminder of the unseen connections that bind us all, the invisible threads of humanity that unite strangers in unexpected ways.
As the ceremony commenced, I felt Henry’s presence in every smile, every laugh, and every shared look of understanding. His gift of bringing people together had transformed our wedding day into something far more significant—a celebration not just of love, but of hope renewed and lives changed.
Later, as we danced under the twinkling lights, I held Oliver close and whispered, “Henry would have loved this.”
He nodded, understandingly. “He’s here, Claire. In every heart he’s touched.”
That day, I realized that kindness has a way of weaving itself into the fabric of our lives, creating bonds that transcend time and place. Henry taught me that while our actions might seem small, their impact can be immeasurable. And as I twirled in my wedding dress, surrounded by friends and the legacy of a man who refused to be invisible, I knew I would carry this lesson with me forever.
