Osse Pulls Out Race for NY Congressional Seat After DSA Non-Endorsement

A New York City council member announced Tuesday he will be withdrawing his candidacy in the Democratic Socialists of America primary race for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The decision comes after the influential political organization rejected his bid, significantly diminishing his prospects within that party.

Chi Osse stated that without endorsement from the DSA, a crucial progressive affiliate, he would not proceed with launching his campaign. “Exploring the possibility of this run was important,” Osse said in a statement released online Tuesday afternoon. However, he added: “As I previously indicated, my intention to pursue an independent path or outside endorsements should have been clear from the start.”

Osse declared that without DSA support, he would not enter the race for Jeffries’ seat representing New York’s 8th Congressional District in Brooklyn.

The announcement comes after a vote by DSA members. A subset of the organization’s members cast ballots via online voting with nearly half supporting Osse and over half against his candidacy. The result effectively ended any chance he had to secure the backing necessary for competing in the primary election should it be held.

Despite the rejection, Osse initially responded defiantly on social media, posting “NYC DSA FOREVER,” accompanied by a heart emoji.

In addition to the Democratic Socialists of America’s reluctance to back him, Mayor-elect Mamdani and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also expressed their decision not to support Osse’s bid.

A spokesperson for Jeffries indicated that he remains committed to his duties as Minority Leader despite Osse’s withdrawal from consideration, focusing on issues such as combating high living expenses in the New York area, protecting healthcare access across America, and enhancing conditions for constituents back home. Jeffries secured a comfortable re-election victory last year within this strongly Democratic district.

Osse submitted his candidacy documents earlier this month to formally enter the race.

The withdrawal of Osse means he will not be seeking an official spot on the ballot or participating in organized campaigns unless independent candidates secure enough voter signatures, according to election protocols.