Democratic Primary in New York City’s 10th Congressional District Centers on LGBTQ+ Advocacy

On June 23, 2024, Democratic voters in New York City’s 10th congressional district will choose between incumbent U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman and progressive challenger Brad Lander, former city comptroller and council member. The district is described as “firmly blue,” meaning the primary winner is expected to secure the seat in the November general election. Both candidates have highlighted LGBTQ+ rights as a central element of their campaign platforms.

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Earlier in the year, the Trump administration ordered the removal of the Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument. Goldman and Lander jointly attended the flag-raising ceremony that followed the flag’s reinstatement, signaling the issue’s salience in the district. The episode has framed the primary as a contest over how aggressively the district’s representative will defend LGBTQ+ protections amid national debates.

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• Dan Goldman – Incumbent congressman. His campaign is supported by his press secretary, Maddy Rosen, who emphasizes his record on LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination legislation.

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• Brad Lander – Challenger with endorsements from several LGBTQ+ organizations: Stonewall Democrats, Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn, Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, NYC Youth 4 Trans Rights, and the Christopher Street Project. Lander’s prior roles include city council member and comptroller, during which he co-sponsored bills targeting conversion therapy, gender-neutral bathrooms, and HIV education, and published an annual guide on city LGBTQ+ resources.

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Goldman’s stated agenda includes: extending Civil Rights Act nondiscrimination protections to LGBTQ+ individuals; establishing a district-wide advisory committee on LGBTQ+ issues; advancing anti-harassment rules for schools; and strengthening hate-crime reporting mechanisms. Lander’s record features legislation outlawing conversion therapy, mandating gender-neutral restroom access, and expanding HIV-related educational resources. His campaign emphasizes these achievements as evidence of a “fierce and unyielding” commitment to LGBTQ+ New Yorkers.

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Goldman’s office, via Rosen, framed his advocacy as a response to “the Trump administration’s homophobic and transphobic attacks,” pledging continued defense of LGBTQ+ rights. Lander’s campaign asserted that supporting LGBTQ+ neighbors, trans youth, and other marginalized groups “should never be a question.” Both candidates indicated that LGBTQ+ rights will remain a legislative priority if elected.

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• “Dan has been a fierce and unyielding advocate for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, from championing legislation to combat LGBTQ+ discrimination to fighting to protect access to gender-affirming care,” — Maddy Rosen, Press Secretary for Dan Goldman

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• “There should never be a question of whether standing up for our LGBTQ+ neighbors, for trans kids, or for other marginalized communities is the right thing to do,” — Brad Lander

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• “In Congress, I’ll make clear that LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare, safety, dignity, and humanity are not up for debate.” — Brad Lander

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• “At a time of escalating attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, I’m proud to have the support of all of New York City’s LGBTQ+ political clubs,” — Brad Lander

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• “As the Trump administration doubles down on its homophobic and transphobic attacks, Dan will continue leading the fight to defend the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.” — Maddy Rosen

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The source material presents a consistent portrayal of both candidates’ positions; no contradictory figures or statements were identified.

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• June 23, 2024 – Democratic primary election.

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• November 2024 – General election, in which the primary victor is expected to run as the Democratic nominee for the 10th district seat.

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