Former City Comptroller Brad Lander defeats incumbent Dan Goldman in New York's 10th District primary
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Incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman lost the Democratic primary for New York's 10th Congressional District to former City Comptroller Brad Lander, reflecting intra-party divisions over Israel and the influence of mayoral ally Zohran Mamdani.
Former City Comptroller Brad Lander won the Democratic primary for New York’s 10th Congressional District, defeating incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman, according to NBC News projections. The contest highlighted sharp disagreements within the party on U.S. policy toward Israel and underscored the role of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who endorsed Lander.
Goldman, who had risen to national prominence as lead counsel in former President Donald Trump’s first impeachment trial, had previously secured a narrow primary victory in 2022. He campaigned on his record opposing the Trump administration on issues such as abortion and immigration and cited endorsements from Governor Kathy Hochul, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and several labor unions.
However, his stance on Israel proved a liability in a district that includes parts of Brooklyn undergoing rapid demographic change. While Goldman received backing from both the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and the more liberal J Street, he positioned himself as a progressive supporter of Israel, separating criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from calls to halt U.S. military aid.
Lander, also Jewish, took a more critical view of Israel’s government, describing the conflict as a "genocide" and pledging to co-sponsor legislation that would tighten restrictions on American military assistance. He leveraged Goldman’s AIPAC support as a point of contrast for Democratic voters increasingly skeptical of Israel policy.
The former comptroller also emphasized his opposition to Trump-era immigration enforcement, noting his own arrest during a protest against federal deportation practices and a recent acquittal of misdemeanor charges. Lander cited his experience on the City Council and as the city’s chief financial officer as evidence of his readiness to address what he described as an urgent need for Democratic action.
Lander secured endorsements from national progressives, including Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, while Mamdani’s backing was seen as a significant factor in the outcome. Goldman became the fifth incumbent House member to lose a primary in 2026, reflecting broader voter frustration with party leadership.
