Rising Democratic Socialist Movement Eyes Key New York House Seats, Including Hakeem Jeffries’

A growing political showdown is brewing in New York City as democratic socialist leaders, fresh off a major primary win, are reportedly preparing to launch challenges against several high-profile congressional Democrats—including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

At the center of the movement is 33-year-old Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani of Queens, whose stunning victory in the city’s Democratic mayoral primary has energized progressive activists and sparked concern among establishment Democrats. Born in Uganda and raised in New York, Mamdani’s win made headlines as a potential turning point in city politics and positioned him as a leading voice on the far-left.

Backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Mamdani’s campaign emphasized housing justice, police reform, and economic equality—issues that resonated with younger and more progressive voters disillusioned by traditional Democratic leadership. His candidacy also marked a historical milestone, as he could become the city’s first Muslim mayor.

In the aftermath of his victory, the DSA issued a statement declaring that Mamdani’s win was part of a much broader effort to reshape American politics.

“This movement is bigger than one person, one city, or one election,” the organization said. “We encourage all who were inspired by this campaign to join local DSA chapters and help continue building power for working-class communities.”

Now, according to multiple reports, the DSA is considering expanding its efforts by targeting several prominent Democratic incumbents in next year’s congressional primaries. Besides Jeffries, the group is reportedly looking at districts represented by Reps. Jerry Nadler, Ritchie Torres, Dan Goldman, and Yvette Clarke—all of whom represent parts of New York City.

These developments have sparked an intense reaction from Jeffries’ camp. Andre Richardson, a senior political strategist and longtime advisor to the House Minority Leader, issued a sharp warning to Mamdani’s supporters and allies.

“If Team Gentrification wants a primary fight, our response will be forceful and unrelenting,” Richardson said in a statement. “We will teach them and all of their incumbents a painful lesson on June 23, 2026.”

Jeffries, who rose to lead the House Democrats following Nancy Pelosi’s retirement from the position, has long positioned himself as a pragmatic, center-left leader focused on reclaiming the House from Republican control. His team has emphasized his role in pushing back against policies they view as extreme under President Donald Trump’s second term, including cuts to health care and immigration crackdowns.

“Leader Jeffries is laser-focused on winning back the House from MAGA extremists who have stripped healthcare from millions,” Richardson added.

However, far-left leaders in New York argue that Jeffries and other establishment Democrats have failed to address the urgency of issues impacting low-income and working-class communities. They accuse Jeffries of being increasingly disconnected from the district he represents.

“His leadership has left a vacuum that organizations like DSA are filling,” said Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of New York City’s DSA chapter. “That’s what matters now.”

Jabari Brisport, a DSA-affiliated state senator from Brooklyn who shares political turf with Jeffries, echoed the criticism, saying the congressman is “out of touch with the progressive base” that helped elect many new left-wing voices across the city.

Pressure is also mounting on other Democrats at the local and state levels to publicly support Mamdani in the upcoming general election. Some insiders warn that those who refuse to align with his campaign could find themselves facing DSA-backed challengers in the next cycle.

Mamdani is set to face Republican Curtis Sliwa in the general election this November. However, the race is further complicated by the presence of two other candidates: former Governor Andrew Cuomo and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, both of whom are expected to appear on the ballot under third-party lines.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn Assemblywoman Phara Souffrant Forrest—another DSA member and ally of Mamdani—mocked Jeffries’ political threat on social media, citing her and Brisport’s decisive victories in the 2022 primaries despite opposition from Democratic leadership.

“Weird threat to make, since Hakeem already went after @JabariBrisport and me,” Forrest wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “How’d that go for him, again?”

She punctuated the statement with a reminder of their landslide wins: “2022 Primary Results: Jabari Brisport 70.4%. Phara Souffrant Forrest 67.2%. If the leader wants another public beatdown, he knows where to find me.”

With the 2026 primaries still a ways off, the battle lines are already being drawn. What remains to be seen is whether Jeffries and other established Democrats can withstand the surging influence of a younger, more radical wave of progressive challengers eager to reshape the party—and the city—from within.