Lander Challenges Goldman in Key Progressive District as Sanders Backs Affordability Push

New York City's Outgoing Comptroller, Brad Lander, Announces Congressional Bid

New York City's outgoing comptroller, Brad Lander, announced on Wednesday that he is running for a U.S. House seat in a move that sets up a high-stakes Democratic primary against Rep. Dan Goldman, heir to the Levi Strauss fortune. The race, in a liberal district covering lower Manhattan and northwest Brooklyn, is expected to be a major test of the city's progressive political movement. Lander, who lost the mayoral primary to Zohran Mamdani this summer, received the endorsement of the newly elected mayor-elect, whom he previously ran against.

Lander's decision to run follows a national profile boost after his arrest by ICE agents in June 2025 during an immigration court protest in New York which drew widespread attention. The incident, which highlighted Lander's commitment to defending immigrant rights and challenging federal enforcement policies, has since positioned his campaign around themes of economic justice and resistance to what he calls the "oligarchy-driven affordability crisis".

Also backing Lander are prominent Democratic figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont who praised Lander. Sanders praised Lander for his work on labor rights and his advocacy for better wages and working conditions for New York's service-sector workers as reported by AP News.

Lander's campaign video featured a message of unity and defiance, calling for leaders who "will fight, not fold" in the face of challenges posed by President Trump as the Wall Street Journal reported.

A District of Progressive Power

The 10th Congressional District has long been a stronghold for progressive candidates, and Lander's campaign appears designed to appeal to that base. Goldman, a two-term incumbent, has drawn criticism for his more moderate positions on Israel and the war in Gaza, which have put him at odds with many of his constituents. Lander has linked Goldman to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a major influence in U.S. politics, and has framed his campaign as a rejection of what he calls "AIPAC's bidding".

Goldman, for his part, has defended his record as a fierce critic of the Trump administration and a former lead counsel in Trump's first impeachment as reported by AP News. He has yet to respond to Lander's challenge, but the primary is expected to be a fiercely contested affair. The district's progressive leanings, particularly in light of Mamdani's recent victory, make Lander a serious contender.

A Political Career on the Rise

Lander's campaign is the latest chapter in a career that has seen him rise through the ranks of New York City politics. As comptroller, he oversaw the city's financial operations for years, and his mayoral bid, though unsuccessful, demonstrated his appeal to a broad coalition of voters. His arrest by ICE agents further elevated his profile, turning him into a symbol of resistance against federal policies that he believes endanger immigrant communities.

In a campaign video, Lander compared himself to Fred Rogers and closed with a rendition of the Mister Rogers' song "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" as the New York Times reported. The tone was a deliberate contrast to the more combative messaging in his public speeches, aiming to present him as both principled and approachable. The campaign's message is clear: Lander wants to be a progressive voice in Washington who can work alongside Mamdani to address issues like housing affordability and immigrant rights.

The Broader Political Context

The primary comes amid a broader national shift in political priorities, with immigration, economic inequality, and the role of big corporations at the forefront as AP News reported. Lander has consistently positioned himself as a challenger to corporate influence in politics, arguing that the "oligarchy" should not be able to buy a seat in Congress as the Guardian reported. His campaign is part of a larger trend of progressive candidates running in liberal districts with the support of grassroots movements and national figures like Sanders as reported by the Guardian.

Goldman's re-election bid, meanwhile, represents the more established wing of the Democratic Party in the district. His experience as a federal prosecutor and his record of challenging Trump-era policies may give him an edge among voters who value institutional expertise as AP News reported. But with Mamdani's endorsement and a growing progressive movement, Lander's campaign is a formidable one.