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.).
Why it matters: 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.
Ocasio-Cortez told Axios during a brief interview at the U.S. Capitol that she was “not aware” that Ossé was challenging.
“But,” she added, “I certainly don’t think a primary challenge to the leader is a good idea right now.”
If not now then when?
I think AOC gets a whole lot of unfair criticism from the left, but this is a pretty indefensible take. Jeffries not only has to go, he is seriously vulnerable, and his defeat would be the best kind of political shakeup.