Speaking from a bar stool at the Unicorn Bar during the “Take Our Power Back” event, the 28‑year‑old councilman declared, “The time for us, the socialists, is right now,” as the audience of DSA members cheered.
Hell Gate reported that several DSA sources confirmed ongoing internal talks about fielding Ossé as the party’s nominee for the Senate seat currently held by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, whose term ends in 2028 and who has been the subject of retirement speculation.
Ossé, who dropped a congressional bid last year after a primary challenge to House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, has become a focal point for the party’s push to place progressive candidates in higher‑profile races, a strategy that has sparked debate within New York’s left‑leaning circles.
State Assemblywoman Sarahana Shrestha, a member of the Mid‑Hudson DSA chapter who also spoke at the event, used the platform to criticize Schumer’s ties to the tech industry and called for “socialists leading the fight against big tech,” underscoring the broader agenda behind the potential Senate run.
The same gathering featured speculation that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez may be encouraged by the DSA to run for president, although neither AOC nor the organization confirmed any formal plans.
Political analysts note that while Ossé’s record includes championing a broker‑fee ban and advocating for publicly owned electricity, his past controversial remarks and affluent upbringing could make a statewide campaign difficult, especially among Jewish voters and business interests.
When contacted by The Post, Ossé declined to answer direct questions about a Senate bid but said, “Socialists need to be elected to fight fascism,” and did not deny the possibility of a future run.