After the Democratic primary in New York City, the far-left has been emboldened by the victory of mayoral candidate and socialist Zohran Mamdani, as they are eager to try their luck in various districts, even aiming to challenge the top Democrat in the House of Representatives — Hakeem Jeffries. Recently, Jeffries’ team described Mamdani’s team as “Team Gentrification,” suggesting that they are insignificant.
The term “Team Gentrification” implies that Mamdani’s supporters are more white, affluent, younger, and left-leaning compared to Jeffries’ supporters.
Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in New York City, told CNN, “Jeffries’ leadership has left a void, and organizations like the DSA are working to fill that void, which I think is more important now.”
Representatives of these leftist organizations have hinted that after Mamdani’s sweeping victory in the New York City mayoral primary last month, House Minority Leader Jeffries and other incumbent Democratic congressional members from New York may face intense primary challenges. Apart from Jeffries, other Democratic House members who could potentially be targeted by far-left challengers in the primary include Representatives Jerry Nadler and Yvette Clarke.
Jeffries’ team responded fiercely to this.
“André Richardson, Jeffries’ senior advisor, stated, “Jeffries’ leadership is focused on… reclaiming the House of Representatives.” He also mentioned that Jeffries has long been seen by the Democratic Party as a future Speaker of the House. However, if the ‘gentrification’ team wants to launch primary challenges, we will respond firmly with no mercy. We will give them and all their incumbent representatives a painful lesson on June 23, 2026.”
Another New York congressional member, Ritchie Torres, who supported former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the primary, defended Jeffries, stating, “We don’t care about Democratic Socialists; our focus is on defeating the Republicans in the midterms and elevating Jeffries to the position of Speaker.” Torres said in a video posted on the X platform.
According to the New York Post, some left-wing activists have mentioned that another possible primary challenger could be Representative Dan Goldman, who represents the Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn Brownstone Communities.
Recently, Democratic mayoral candidate Mamdani has been trying to expand his alliance, not only by forming alliances with Black, Jewish officials and their voters, but also seeking to unite with more establishment Democrats.