Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) has been defeated in the Democratic primary for New York’s 10th Congressional District—a district encompassing Lower Manhattan and portions of Brooklyn—by former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who secured victory by roughly 30 points. The result underscores a growing rift within the Democratic Party over U.S. policy toward Israel and the accelerating political influence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Goldman, the former federal prosecutor who served as lead counsel during President Donald Trump’s first impeachment inquiry, entered the race after narrowly winning a crowded 2022 primary in the newly redrawn district. He was widely viewed as a rising progressive figure within the party, backed by endorsements from Gov. Kathy Hochul, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and major labor unions. However, his campaign faced significant challenges on Israel policy, where he drew support from both the American Israel Public Affairs Committee—a group criticized by progressives—and J Street, which designated him an “approved” candidate.
Lander criticized Goldman for failing to confront billionaire influence in politics, labeling him a “corporate Democrat.” The former comptroller emphasized that Democratic voters demanded a reset in U.S.-Israel relations and rejected foreign policies compromising “humanity,” directly contrasting with Goldman’s focus on tax reform for the wealthy through his proposed Robinhood Act.
Goldman’s vulnerability emerged amid his district’s rapid gentrification, where he sought to position himself as a progressive supporter of Israel while distinguishing criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from calls to halt military aid to Gaza. Lander’s victory signals growing voter frustration with Democratic leadership in New York and broader concerns about the party’s alignment with economic inequality and foreign policy priorities.
