Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said she was "not aware" that New York Councilman Chi Ossé had filed to challenge House Minority LeaderHakeem Jeffries for New York’s 8th Congressional District in 2026.Ossé’s motivations are linked to his criticism of Democratic leadership under Donald Trump, and he has prior support from Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect.Hakeem Jeffries responded to the challenge saying "Come on in, the water is warm," amid polling showing strong favorability for Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez among New York Democrats.