Zohran Mamdani's Democratic Socialist party eyes primarying House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, NYC House Dems

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's socialist political party is aiming to primary Democrat House members from New York City, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).

Mamdani recently took victory in the New York City Democrat primary for mayor, crushing Andrew Cuomo. In light of his victory, DSA released a statement that said the socialist movement is "bigger than one person."

"We encourage all people inspired by the Zohran campaign to join their local DSA or YDSA chapter and get involved so we can continue to fight alongside Zohran and DSA elected officials across the country to create the future we all deserve," they said.

According to Fox News, that "future" may involve the primarying of Democrat congressmen around New York City, as the DSA is reportedly mulling over challengers that could go up against Jeffries in the midterm elections. Other House Democrats in and around the city include Reps. Ritchie Torres, Jerry Nadler, Dan Goldman and Yvette Clarke could also face challengers. 

Jeffries has been criticized, along with some other Democrats, as being too moderate by more left-wing Democrats. DSA in particular has continued to launch this critique. New York City's DSA chapter chair Gustavo Gordillo told reporters, "[Jeffries] leadership has left a vacuum that organizations like DSA are filling."

In a statement to Fox News, socialist State Sen. Jabari Brisport argued that Jeffries is "rapidly growing out of touch with an insurgent and growing progressive base within his own district that he should pay more attention to."

A top advisor to Jeffries, however, has warned that if a primary challenge is launched, "Our response will be forceful and unrelenting. We will teach them and all of their incumbents a painful lesson on June 23, 2026."

When Jeffries was asked about a potential challenge from the far-left, he said he had "no idea what these people are talking about," and that he is focused on "pushing back against the extremism that has been unleashed on the American people."

Mamdani has proposed policies that include raising the minimum wage in New York City to $30 an hour by 2030 and to freeze rents. He has also talked about creating government-controlled grocery stores, a plan with funding that was reportedly based on a math error on Mamdani's part. He also included a policy on his platform to raise taxes on "whiter neighborhoods." 

He was able to best former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo after taking the debate stage during the primary. He was endorsed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez while other Democrats have been hesitant to jump aboard, offering congratulatory remarks but stopping short of endorsements.