Speaking briefly to Axios at the U.S. Capitol on Monday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said she was “not aware” that New York City Councilman Chi Ossé had entered the race against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “I certainly don’t think a primary challenge to the leader is a good idea right now,” she added.

The comments came a day after Ossé filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission forming a congressional campaign committee, “Chi Osse for Congress,” indicating his intent to run in New York’s 8th Congressional District. The seat has been held by Jeffries since 2013 and has not faced a serious primary challenge since his initial election.

Ossé, a queer Buddhist activist, recently rejoined the Democratic Socialists of America, the same organization that

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