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Comptroller Brad Lander Jumps into Congressional Race, Setting Stage for Progressive Showdown
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander officially launched his campaign for New York’s 10th Congressional District on Wednesday, setting up a potentially fiery primary challenge against incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman. This race is poised to be a significant test for the city’s robust progressive movement within one of its most left-leaning districts.
The contest is also expected to illuminate evolving perspectives on Israel within the Democratic party. Lander has already drawn a clear line, criticizing Goldman’s perceived ties to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a group known for supporting pro-Israel candidates.
“The challenges we face can’t be solved with strongly worded letters or high-dollar fundraisers, and not by doing AIPAC’s bidding in a district that knows our safety, our freedom, our thriving is bound up together,” Lander stated in his campaign video.
In response, Maddy Rosen, a spokesperson for Rep. Goldman, indicated that the congressman is currently focused on pressing issues.
“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,” Rosen commented, suggesting reelection efforts are not yet his primary concern.
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, a vocal critic of the Israeli government, quickly endorsed Lander, hailing him as a trusted ally despite recent political complexities in their relationship. Lander, who is Jewish, had cross-endorsed with Mamdani in the mayoral primary, though Lander did not secure a position in the new administration as some had anticipated.
“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.”
Lander, 56, is a long-standing figure in New York City politics, having served a decade on the City Council representing parts of Brooklyn. He most recently secured significant voter support in the crowded Democratic mayoral primary, finishing third behind Mamdani and former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
His congressional bid has already garnered high-profile endorsements from Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, and he is widely expected to receive the backing of the New York City Working Families Party, known for its effective get-out-the-vote operations.
As Comptroller, Lander oversees the city’s substantial pension funds and investments. He gained national attention earlier this year when he spoke out after the Trump administration revoked millions of dollars in funding from city accounts.
Lander has also been a prominent advocate for immigrant rights. Prior to the mayoral primary, he was arrested inside a federal immigration court in Lower Manhattan while attempting to prevent an undocumented man from being taken into custody by federal agents. He has consistently highlighted this issue, frequently appearing at the federal building where migrants are routinely detained during immigration court appearances.
Initial speculation that the progressive field might be fragmented quickly subsided following Lander’s announcement. Councilmember Alexa Aviles, who was previously expected to run and had secured the endorsement of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, subsequently announced she would not enter the race.