NEW YORK (BLOOMBERG) -- Dan Goldman is proud of his work taking on President Donald Trump — whether on immigration, Ukraine or the US Constitution. The Democratic congressman even led the first impeachment proceedings against Trump before winning election in 2022 to represent a wealthy, liberal New York City district.
For Brad Lander, Goldman’s commitment to progressive causes isn’t enough. The New York City comptroller, who failed in his bid this year to become mayor, plans to challenge Goldman in the 2026 Democratic primary for New York’s 10th Congressional District.
While the two largely align on fighting Trump and most other policy arenas, including increasing taxes on the wealthy, they disagree on the extent they’re willing to go to criticize Israel. Lander has been harsher than Goldman on the Jewish state’s actions in Gaza. Both men are Jewish, and both have been critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Lander formally launched his bid on Wednesday for the seat, describing himself in a video posted on social media as a candidate who will “fight, not fold” in the face of the Trump Administration.
“I’m running for Congress because 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 said, referring to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the pro-Israel advocacy group.
The campaign is the latest sign of how Democrats’ shifting views on Israel continue to influence politics in the city, home to the largest Jewish community outside of Israel but also significant Muslim and Arab populations. It also comes as progressives and younger challengers attempt to oust moderate and older Democratic incumbents across the US, from California to Michigan and Maine.
Lander, 56, is running with support from incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani after the two formed an alliance in the Democratic primary. Mamdani has been an outspoken critic of Israel. Goldman, 49, didn’t endorse a mayoral candidate in the general election, after backing Brooklyn state Senator Zellnor Myrie’s unsuccessful campaign in the mayoral primary.
Lander, who will be out of office when his term as comptroller ends Jan. 1, was initially expected to join Mamdani’s new administration at City Hall. But the pair’s relationship grew strained as Lander openly advocated for a high-level position in Mamdani’s cabinet, multiple outlets reported.
“Brad’s unwavering principles, deep knowledge, and sincere empathy are what make him a true leader,” Mamdani said in a statement Wednesday. “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.”
Mamdani trounced former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the general election in much of Goldman’s district, which encompasses Lower Manhattan from Union Square to the Financial District as well as wealthy, progressive Brooklyn enclaves like Park Slope and Carroll Gardens.
In some Brooklyn neighborhoods, Mamdani beat Cuomo with more than 70% of the vote. A September poll of Democratic primary voters conducted by Data for Progress found Lander would beat Goldman in a hypothetical head-to-head race 52-33.
Lander isn’t the only potentially challenger eyeing a run against Goldman, an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, from the left next year. City Council Member Alexa Avilés, a democratic socialist like Mamdani, is also considering a run, Politico reported.
“Dan is focused on stopping the Trump administration from what they’re doing to immigrant families in his district right now,” Goldman campaign spokesperson Maddy Rosen said in a statement. “He’s proud of his progressive record in Congress and will deal with Brad and other challengers in the new year.”
Last week Goldman introduced a bill that would impose a 20% excise tax on loans and lines of credit backed by capital assets. The measure would address what Goldman described as a $300 billion loophole that wealthy individuals use to avoid taxes. He said the proceeds could be used to pay for universal childcare, which is one of Mamdani’s key platforms.
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