A fresh wave of political tension is swelling within the Democratic Party, as progressive forces aligned with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) set their sights on primary challenges against several high-profile House Democrats in New York City — including none other than House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
The brewing rebellion comes in the wake of Mamdani’s stunning upset in the city’s Democratic mayoral primary, where he triumphed over former Governor Andrew Cuomo and a crowded field of contenders. His victory marks a defining moment for democratic socialism in New York and signals a surging ideological shift among the party’s grassroots base.
Energized by Mamdani’s momentum, DSA leaders are now openly signaling a more confrontational electoral strategy for 2026. Their potential targets include powerful incumbents such as Reps. Jerry Nadler, Dan Goldman, Ritchie Torres, and Yvette Clarke — all representing key districts across NYC.
“This movement is bigger than one election,” declared a DSA spokesperson. “We’re building long-term power from the ground up. Mamdani’s campaign was just the spark.”
The growing push for insurgent candidates has already rattled Democratic leadership. A senior advisor to Rep. Jeffries issued a stern warning, vowing that any attempt to unseat the House Minority Leader would be met with a “forceful and unrelenting” defense. Jeffries, who succeeded Nancy Pelosi as leader of the House Democrats, is widely viewed as a centrist anchor within the party — and a formidable opponent.
Still, progressive critics argue that Jeffries is emblematic of a party establishment increasingly disconnected from younger, working-class voters.
“There’s a leadership vacuum, and groups like DSA are stepping in to fill it,” said Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of NYC-DSA. “We’re organizing for a more just, equitable future — one grounded in housing justice, climate action, and democratic accountability.”
State Senator Jabari Brisport echoed those sentiments, accusing Jeffries of drifting further from the realities of everyday Brooklyn residents.
Whether credible challengers will ultimately emerge remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Mamdani’s rise has cracked open the door to a new era of intra-party warfare in New York. And with the 2026 elections looming, the battle for the soul of the Democratic Party is no longer hypothetical — it’s already begun.