Chi O-Se Considering Run for House Minority Leader

Democratic New York City Councilman Chi O-Se, a key supporter of mayoral candidate Zoran Mandani, is reportedly contemplating a bid for House Minority Leader, currently held by Hakeem Jeffries, in 2026, according to Axios.

At just 27 years old, O-Se is openly gay and has been having private discussions with progressive groups about potentially challenging Jeffries in the upcoming Democratic primary. This information was first revealed by Axios, citing three anonymous sources. Interestingly, Jeffries has so far not endorsed Mandani in the mayoral race, which adds an intriguing layer to the political landscape.

O-Se publicly expressed his support for Mandani, a self-identified socialist, during the New York City mayoral primary on April 21. He described Mandani’s vision for the city as inspiring, emphasizing the need for leadership that aligns with progressive values. His backing culminated in a rally supporting Mandani earlier in May.

Elected to the New York City Council in 2021, O-Se is notably the youngest member and the only representative from Gen Z. His rise to prominence began in 2020 as a participant in the Black Lives Matter movement. In an interview with Politico last August, he shared that his decision to enter politics was largely influenced by activist organizations.

Neither Jeffries’ nor O-Se’s office responded to requests for comments regarding the potential challenge.

In 2020, O-Se co-founded Warriors in the Garden, an activist group dedicated to shielding communities from police brutality and systemic oppression. He has previously called for significant reforms in the New York City Police Department, advocating for accountability and transparency.

O-Se’s outspoken nature was exemplified in a June 2020 article where he stated, “We will defund the NYPD,” arguing for police accountability. His social media presence has also been impactful, as he shared a video that garnered millions of views, highlighting the importance of direct communication in political campaigning, a lesson he credits to figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

In a post, O-Se provocatively stated that “A black gay Santa is the Republican Party’s worst nightmare,” showcasing his approach to blending political commentary with cultural commentary, which resonates with many of his supporters.