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Plans have reportedly begun circulating among allies of New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani—a self-described democratic socialist—aimed at mounting primary challenges against several prominent congressional Democrats representing New York City, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
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Following Mamdani’s recent victory in the crowded Democratic mayoral primary in New York City, which included former Governor Andrew Cuomo among the defeated candidates, Fox News reported that the move seems to be part of a larger attempt by far-left operatives to reshape the Democratic Party from within.
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Discussions allegedly started in DSA circles after Mamdani’s victory to target other incumbent Democrats in the 2026 primary, such as Representatives Dan Goldman, Ritchie Torres, Yvette Clarke, and Jerry Nadler. Among those who might be challenged was House Minority Leader Jeffries, who is regarded as a moderate by New York’s socialist fringe.
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Jeffries, who succeeded former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as Democratic leader two years ago, has increasingly drawn criticism from progressive factions in his home state. Some far-left organizers have claimed that his leadership created a perceived “vacuum” being filled by DSA influence.
Jabari Brisport, a DSA-affiliated state senator from Brooklyn whose district overlaps with Jeffries’, remarked that the congressman is becoming out of touch with the rising progressive base in his own constituency.
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In response, senior political advisor Andre Richardson, who works closely with Jeffries, issued a firm warning against any socialist-backed primary attempts. Referring to Mamdani’s supporters as Team Gentrification, Richardson told CNN that any such efforts would be met with a forceful and unrelenting counter-effort, and he also said that they would teach them and all of their incumbents a painful lesson on June 23, 2026.
The comment came amid concerns that state and local Democrats in the city may now feel pressured to publicly align with Mamdani’s movement or face political retaliation.
Assemblywoman Phara Souffrant Forrest, another DSA-aligned official whose district overlaps with Jeffries’, responded to Richardson’s warning on social media, implying that past attempts to challenge her and Brisport had failed. She pointed to their commanding primary wins in 2022 as proof.
Meanwhile, Mamdani is expected to face Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa in the general election. Former Democratic figures, including Andrew Cuomo and current Mayor Eric Adams, are also set to appear on the November ballot under third-party lines, according to The New York Post.
Amid growing friction within the Democratic Party, concerns are rising among moderates over the potential consequences of DSA-backed candidates gaining further ground. Many observers have framed the 2026 primaries as a pivotal test of whether the Democratic Party will continue its drift leftward or whether moderate voices will reclaim influence.