Brad Lander Obliterates Dan Goldman in Progressive Takeover

Brad Lander just crushed incumbent congressman Dan Goldman in a Democratic primary, showcasing the relentless rise of progressive candidates. This isn't just a win; it's a statement.

Lander, backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, slammed Goldman for being too moderate and too cozy with the Israeli government. The gloves were off.

“It’s time to elect Democrats who’ll fight, not fold, against the forces of authoritarianism & corporate greed,” Lander declared in a social media post while casting an early ballot.

With a history steeped in activism, Lander positioned himself as the leftist alternative to Goldman, who hails from the Levi Strauss fortune. His campaign launch featured a dramatic ad showing him getting arrested by federal agents while trying to support a man in immigration court. No charges were filed in that incident, but he faced arrest again during a sit-in protest with fellow officials. He opted for a bench trial and emerged not guilty of misdemeanor obstruction.

Lander's platform is unapologetically bold: abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement, implement “Medicare for All,” construct new housing, and halt U.S. aid to Israel.

This victory isn't just about Lander; it’s a triumph for Mamdani, the democratic socialist who rallied support for Lander and other left-wing candidates ahead of the primary.

Both Lander and Mamdani endorsed each other during last year’s New York City mayoral primary, leveraging the ranked-choice voting system to their advantage. Lander finished third behind Mamdani and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Goldman refused to endorse Mamdani even after he secured the Democratic nomination for mayor.

By supporting Mamdani, Lander expanded his political reach and gained crucial backing. He launched his congressional campaign in December, right after the mayoral race, with endorsements from Mamdani, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and other progressives. Goldman had the backing of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Governor Kathy Hochul (D), and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee—an endorsement Goldman himself admitted might have backfired.

The race also served as a battleground over U.S. support for Israel. Lander condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza post-October 7, 2023, labeling them as “genocide” and called for a pause on U.S. military aid—a stark contrast to Goldman’s stance.

New York’s 10th Congressional District is one of the most Jewish areas in the country, with over 1 in 5 residents identifying as Jewish. Both candidates share this background. By choosing Lander, voters signaled their desire for congressional Democrats willing to challenge Israel's policies, including withholding financial and military support.

“If people want someone who is really going to fight to end Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, to make it so that Jewish New Yorkers and Muslim New Yorkers can work together instead of be divided from each other, and try to address the failures of U.S. foreign policy, the choice is clear,” Lander stated during a recent debate.