Gen Z firebrand challenges establishment giant: NYC’s Chi Ossé tees up primary bid against Hakeem Jeffries

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani dismissed Council member Chi Ossé's primary challenge against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, stating that 'now is not the time' for such a contest. Mamdani's comments reflect a desire for party unity amid ongoing political tensions.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) is leading Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) by 20 points in the upcoming governor's race, according to a recent Siena Research Institute poll. The survey indicates that Hochul holds a significant advantage as she seeks re-election nearly a year before the election, with 52% of respondents supporting her compared to 32% for Stefanik.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries avoided answering questions regarding Delegate Stacey Plaskett's messages to Jeffrey Epstein during a CNN interview. Jeffries' refusal to address the appropriateness of Plaskett's communications has drawn attention amid ongoing scrutiny of her past interactions with Epstein.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced she will not seek re-election, concluding her long tenure in Congress and leadership within the Democratic Party. This decision marks a significant shift in the party's dynamics as it prepares for future leadership contests.

Saim Irgi, a 39-year-old illegal immigrant from Turkey with prior assault charges, was arrested by ICE in Buffalo, New York. During the arrest, he allegedly fought with officers and attempted to grab an ICE officer's taser while shouting 'Allahu akbar'. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding illegal immigration and public safety.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has expressed that Chi Ossé's attempt to unseat House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is not a favorable idea. Ossé, a far-left City Councilman, has officially filed to run against Jeffries, which has sparked discussions about the internal divisions within the Democratic Party. The situation highlights the tensions between established party leaders and the progressive wing, as Ossé represents a younger, more radical faction seeking to challenge the status quo.

Marijuana prices in New York have decreased by 17% since 2023, according to industry officials. This decline is attributed to the ramp-up of the legal cannabis market, which has led to an increase in the availability of various cannabis brands across more retail locations. As competition intensifies among suppliers, consumers are benefiting from lower prices for marijuana products.

The House passed a resolution on Tuesday to censure Rep. Chuy García (D-Ill.) due to the controversial timing of his retirement announcement, introduced by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.). The resolution received support from 23 Democrats, highlighting divisions within the Democratic Party. The vote concluded with 236 in favor, 183 against, and 4 abstentions. García is accused of undermining the democratic process, raising concerns about party unity and leadership dynamics.