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New York Comptroller Brad Lander Challenges Rep. Goldman for Congressional Seat, Securing Mamdani’s Endorsement
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander launched his campaign Wednesday for New York’s 10th Congressional District, immediately securing a high-profile endorsement from Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in his challenge against incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman.
The announcement sets up what could become a contentious primary battle within the Democratic Party, with Lander positioning himself as a progressive alternative to Goldman, a relatively moderate Democrat and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune.
“Brad’s unwavering principles, deep knowledge, and sincere empathy are what make him a true leader,” Mamdani said in a statement. “He has been a trusted ally and partner of mine and I’m proud to support him as I know he’ll continue delivering for those who need government to show up for them the most.”
The endorsement comes as no surprise to political observers. Lander played a crucial role in Mamdani’s upset victory in the Democratic mayoral primary earlier this year, with the two candidates using ranked-choice voting to cross-endorse each other and consolidate support against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Goldman notably did not endorse Mamdani’s mayoral campaign, citing concerns that Mamdani wouldn’t do enough to protect Jewish New Yorkers, as he told CBS News New York.
Lander’s campaign launch video, styled after the children’s show Mr. Rogers, took several direct shots at Goldman, criticizing him for accepting money from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and referencing the “oligarchy” who “shouldn’t be able to buy a seat in Congress”—a clear jab at Goldman’s wealth and family connections.
Goldman’s campaign responded by emphasizing his focus on current legislative priorities. “Dan is focused on stopping the Trump administration from what they’re doing to immigrant families in his district right now. He’s proud of his progressive record in Congress and will deal with Brad and other challengers in the new year,” Goldman campaign spokesperson Maddy Rose said.
Immigration has emerged as a flashpoint in New York City politics since President Trump’s re-election. Mamdani recently released a video instructing New Yorkers on their rights during Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) encounters following attempted raids in Manhattan.
Lander has positioned himself as a staunch defender of immigrant communities. In his campaign video, he highlighted his arrest by Department of Homeland Security agents earlier this year, allegedly for assaulting a federal officer during an immigration protest. “When ICE agents started kidnapping our neighbors, I fought back,” Lander declared, adding, “While our neighbors are being demonized and attacked, we can put our bodies on the line to protect them.”
The race reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party as it seeks to regain congressional control in the upcoming midterm elections. Progressive candidates like Lander are challenging more moderate Democratic incumbents, hoping to ride the wave of enthusiasm generated by Mamdani’s mayoral victory.
Not all such challenges are moving forward, however. New York City councilmember Chi Ossé recently abandoned his planned primary challenge against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries after failing to secure endorsements from Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America.
Political analysts note that Lander’s congressional bid comes after he did not secure a position in Mamdani’s incoming administration, despite being a fixture at campaign events and rallies throughout the mayoral race. This opened a lane for Lander to channel his political energy into a congressional challenge as he approaches the end of his term as city comptroller.
The 10th Congressional District, covering parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn, is considered a safe Democratic seat, meaning the winner of the Democratic primary is all but certain to win the general election. The primary contest between Lander and Goldman will likely center on issues including immigration policy, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and economic inequality—themes that have defined the progressive movement’s challenge to more establishment Democrats in recent years.
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22 Comments
The clash between Lander’s progressive vision and Goldman’s more moderate approach reflects the ongoing debate within the Democratic party. Voters in the 10th district will have a clear choice.
Yes, this primary could serve as a microcosm of the larger ideological tensions in the party. It will be a test of the progressive wing’s strength in a key urban district.
The political dynamics in this race are quite intriguing. I’m curious to see how the progressive vs. moderate framing plays out and which message resonates more with voters.
Agreed. It will be a telling test of the strength of the progressive wing within the party machinery in a key urban district.
The Levi Strauss heir seems like a more moderate candidate, so Lander positioning himself as the progressive alternative is a strategic move. Will be interesting to see how the primary plays out.
Good point. Lander aligning with the mayor-elect Mamdani suggests he’s trying to tap into the progressive energy in the district.
As a New Yorker, I’m always interested in the city’s local politics. This race could have reverberations beyond just the 10th district, so I’ll be following it closely.
Same here. Local politics can have a big impact, and this primary could shape the future direction of the Democratic party in New York.
This primary battle is a good example of the diversity of views within the Democratic party. It will be interesting to see which vision prevails in the 10th district.
Definitely. These internal debates are healthy for the party, as long as they remain civil and focused on the issues.
I’m curious to see how Lander’s progressive platform and Mamdani’s endorsement play with the district’s voters. Will be an interesting race to follow.
Agreed, the dynamics of this primary will be worth watching. The outcome could have broader implications for the direction of the Democratic party in New York.
Challenges within the Democratic party can be healthy, as long as they don’t get too divisive. I hope this primary focuses on the issues and policy differences rather than personal attacks.
Well said. Intra-party debates can strengthen the party if handled constructively. Voters will appreciate a substantive discussion of the candidates’ visions.
Lander’s endorsement from Mamdani is a bold move that could galvanize the left flank of the party. But Goldman’s family wealth and establishment ties shouldn’t be underestimated.
Excellent point. The battle lines are drawn, and it will come down to which candidate can most effectively mobilize their base.
It’s encouraging to see a range of progressive and moderate voices competing in the primary. Gives voters more choice and a clearer sense of the party’s direction.
Absolutely. A diversity of perspectives helps the party stay in touch with the full spectrum of its constituents.
The endorsement from Mamdani could give Lander a boost, but Goldman’s establishment ties and personal wealth shouldn’t be underestimated. I’ll be following this race with interest.
Agreed, it’s shaping up to be a closely watched primary. The outcome could have broader implications for the direction of the Democratic party in New York.
Interesting political move by the comptroller to challenge the incumbent. Looks like an intra-party battle brewing in the NY 10th district. I’m curious to see how the voters respond to the progressive vs moderate dynamic.
Agreed, this could get quite contentious. It will be interesting to see if Lander’s endorsement from Mamdani gives him a boost with the progressive wing of the party.