Brad Lander Challenges Dan Goldman on Super PAC Influence in NY-10 Race

Brad Lander, the former New York City comptroller, is contesting incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) in the Democratic primary for New York’s Tenth District. Lander has publicly urged Goldman to sign the People’s Pledge, a campaign finance agreement aimed at reducing the influence of dark money in politics. This pledge requires candidates to donate a portion of their campaign funds to charity, based on the cost of outside advertising from political action committees (PACs). Lander argues that this agreement would incentivize candidates to reject super PAC ads, which have increasingly dominated Democratic primaries since 2020.

The American ProspectThe American Prospect

Goldman has declined to sign the People’s Pledge, instead proposing to cease negative messaging and denounce super PAC spending. Lander criticized this response, stating, “Dan Goldman just made clear who he is accountable to: the dark money trying to buy this race.” The implications of this disagreement are significant in the highly engaged Tenth District, where outside spending has been a contentious issue.

The American Prospect

The People’s Pledge has been around for over a decade, gaining traction after Elizabeth Warren and Scott Brown signed it during their 2012 campaign in Massachusetts. Larry Cohen, former president of the Communications Workers of America and a proponent of the pledge, asserts that it is essential for Democratic candidates to disavow super PAC spending to restore trust among voters. Cohen has been actively encouraging candidates across the country to adopt the pledge, emphasizing that Democratic primaries should reflect the will of the voters rather than the influence of wealthy interests.

The American ProspectThe American Prospect

Critics, including Cohen, have pointed out that super PACs often undermine the integrity of primary elections. They argue that candidates may use these groups to run negative campaigns while maintaining a facade of positivity. The presence of super PAC funding has been particularly notable in recent races, such as the North Carolina Democratic primary, where outside spending played a crucial role in the re-election of Rep. Valerie Foushee.

The American Prospect

Cohen has stated, “The only way we’re going to make headway on this is by pushing Democratic primary candidates to disavow super PAC spending in their races.” He believes that the People’s Pledge can empower candidates without wealthy benefactors, providing a viable alternative to the current system dominated by big money.

The American Prospect

As the primary approaches on June 23, the debate over super PAC influence is expected to intensify. The outcome of this race could set a precedent for future Democratic primaries, particularly regarding the acceptance of outside funding. The ongoing discourse surrounding the People’s Pledge may influence voter sentiment and candidate strategies in the lead-up to the election.

The American Prospect

• “I challenged Dan Goldman to keep dark money out of NY-10 and leave this race up to the people, and sadly he refused,” — Brad Lander, Former NYC Comptroller

The American Prospect

• “According to him, “the only way we’re going to make headway on this” is by pushing Democratic primary candidates to disavow super PAC spending in their races.” — Larry Cohen, Former President of the Communications Workers of America

The American Prospect

This unfolding narrative highlights the critical intersection of campaign finance reform and electoral integrity within the Democratic Party, as candidates like Lander seek to reshape the landscape of political funding.

The American Prospect