Brad Lander defeated incumbent Congressman Dan Goldman in the Democratic primary for New York's 10th Congressional District on June 23, 2026, winning about 65.7% of the vote to Goldman's 34.1% [1]. Goldman, a two-term incumbent first elected in 2022, lost his seat after a heated contest marked by sharp divisions within the Democratic Party [1, 2, 3].
Lander, a progressive candidate who describes himself as a "liberal Zionist," secured key endorsements from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Senator Bernie Sanders [1, 4, 2, 3]. Mamdani said, "[Brad] has been a trusted ally and partner of mine, and I'm proud to support him. I know he'll keep delivering for those who need government to show up for them the most." [4]
The 10th District covers Lower Manhattan and parts of western Brooklyn, including Greenwich Village, the Lower East Side, Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, and Sunset Park [3]. Lander previously ran for New York City mayor in 2025 but was unsuccessful [4, 2].
Goldman, a wealthy former federal prosecutor and heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, gained national prominence as lead counsel during former President Trump's first impeachment inquiry [1, 3]. He was backed by pro-Israel groups and strongly defended Israel’s existence as a Jewish state [1, 3]. Goldman pledged to match up to $1 million in campaign donations in an effort to retain his seat [4].
The race reflected broader ideological divisions over the Israel-Gaza conflict. Lander has criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, accusing it of genocide, while Goldman opposed that characterization and defended Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state [1, 3]. The candidates also clashed over U.S. military aid to Israel and political tactics, with Lander attacking Goldman for supporting aid and Goldman accusing Lander of fundraising off a protest arrest related to ICE enforcement [3].
The 2026 midterm cycle saw three Democratic House incumbents unseated in primaries, including Goldman along with Texas Democrats Al Green and Julie Johnson [2].
Lander’s victory in the primary positions him as the Democratic nominee for the 10th District in the November general election, where he is expected to face minimal opposition in this heavily Democratic seat [1, 2].
