Full Breakdown
Brad Lander Upsets Incumbent Dan Goldman in New York’s 10th Congressional District Democratic Primary
6/25/2026, 2:47:29 AM
Primary Upset in a Solidly Blue District
On Tuesday, former City Comptroller Brad Lander defeated two-term incumbent Democrat Dan Goldman in the Democratic primary for New York’s 10th Congressional District, which includes Lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn. Lander is projected to face Republican Jennifer Moore, who ran unopposed, in the November general election.
Candidates, Endorsements, and the Israel Debate
Goldman, a Jewish former federal prosecutor who led the first impeachment of President Donald Trump, won a narrow 2022 primary and was endorsed by Governor Kathy Hochul, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, labor unions, AIPAC and J Street. Lander, Jewish and city comptroller, entered the race after an unsuccessful mayoral bid and an ICE arrest observing immigration court. He received endorsements from Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Senator Bernie Sanders and is the Working Families Party nominee.
Official Statements & Responses
Lander said he will be “one of the Jewish members of Congress most willing to stand up for Palestinian human rights” and that opposing anti-Jewish bigotry is “the same job.” Goldman conceded and wished Lander well. Mamdani praised Lander’s “kindness to this work.”
Criticism & Opposition: Israel Policy as the Deciding Issue
Progressive voters criticized Goldman for his ties to AIPAC and his effort to separate criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from calls to block U.S. military aid to Israel. Lander countered by labeling Israel’s Gaza campaign a “genocide” and pledging to co-sponsor legislation restricting American military aid to Israel.
Why It Matters: Progressive Surge and Policy Implications
Goldman’s loss is the fifth incumbent defeat in the 2026 Democratic primaries, reflecting a progressive surge. Lander’s win aligns with a candidate who pledged to co-sponsor legislation restricting U.S. military aid to Israel, suggesting a shift in the district’s policy priorities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I will be one of the Jewish members of Congress most willing to stand up for Palestinian human rights, and I will stand firmly against bigotry aimed at Jews. Those are not two different jobs. They are the same job,” — Brad Lander, Candidate
- “Tonight, the voters of 10th District have spoken. While this is not the outcome I worked so hard for, I respect their decision. I called Brad and I wish him very well as he works to represent this amazing district,” — Dan Goldman, Incumbent Representative
- “I've known Brad for some time, first as a colleague, as a friend, and over the course of that race and beyond, as partner in this work. And I knew then what we all know now, and what many of you all have known for years: Brad brings a kindness to this work,” — Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City
- “genocide.” — Brad Lander (characterizing Israel’s conduct in Gaza)
What's Next
Lander will appear on the November ballot as both the Democratic and Working Families Party candidate. He has signaled plans to introduce legislation limiting U.S. military aid to Israel and will continue his advocacy on immigration issues.
