Rep. Dan Goldman is facing one of the most competitive challenges of his congressional career as former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander gains traction in the Democratic primary for New York’s 10th Congressional District. The race, covering Lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, has quickly become a high-profile contest between establishment Democrats and the party’s progressive wing. Goldman, backed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, seeks to maintain his seat amid increasing pressure.
Lander, a longtime progressive figure, has garnered endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. His campaign portrays Goldman as an out-of-touch multimillionaire, highlighting his Levi Strauss inheritance and previous self-funded political efforts. Lander has emphasized progressive policies and anti-ICE messaging, aiming to appeal to left-leaning voters frustrated with traditional Democratic politics.
The ideological divide in the race has sharpened over issues such as immigration enforcement and U.S.-Israel policy. Goldman’s national profile, particularly from his role as lead counsel during former President Donald Trump’s first impeachment, provides him with strong name recognition. However, recent polling commissioned by a Goldman-supporting super PAC shows Lander leading 47% to 42%, though the contest remains within the poll’s margin of error.
Parts of the district have also shown strong support for progressive candidates in recent elections, reflecting a growing base of left-wing organizing in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Uncertainty over New York’s congressional maps adds another layer of complexity, as ongoing legal disputes could reshape portions of the district ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Despite the challenges, Goldman’s supporters argue that his high-profile stance against Trump and national visibility give him an advantage in a high-turnout primary. At the same time, progressive groups continue to mobilize for Lander, signaling a broader debate within the Democratic Party about its future direction and priorities. The outcome in NY-10 may serve as a bellwether for similar intra-party contests across the country.