"Not a serious question": Jeffries dismisses report of potential primary challenge

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed reports of a potential primary challenge from New York City Council member Chi Ossé. Jeffries called the question "not a serious question" during an interview with Axios. Ossé, who had privately discussed a run against Jeffries, previously stated it would take a dire situation to consider a congressional bid. He also clarified that he is not running for Congress. An internal poll indicated Jeffries held a significant lead over Ossé in a hypothetical contest. Many voters were reportedly unfamiliar with Ossé. Jeffries' comments preceded his endorsement of Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. The delay in Jeffries' endorsement had reportedly created a rift with progressive lawmakers. However, Jeffries asserted that the Democratic Party is currently unified. He stated that he has witnessed considerable unity across the country.