Zohran Mamdani ally Brad Lander will run for Congress, facing incumbent NY Rep. Dan Goldman, likely far-left challengers
Former New York City comptroller Brad Lander, a longtime supporter of Democratic‑Socialist Zohran Mamdani, announced that he will run for Congress next year with the aim of unseating two‑term Manhattan representative Dan Goldman. The Post confirmed that Lander had already begun a campaign rollout, and last Tuesday he sent a mailer to his backers that highlighted the wars he fought against the Trump administration and his “body‑on‑the‑line” stand for undocumented immigrants at 26 Federal Plaza, where he was reportedly hauled into police custody in September for blocking ICE operations.
The email closed with the line, “It’s time to fight, not fold,” an endorsement the Post obtained directly from Lander’s campaign.
Lander’s message also recalled the cross‑endorsement he and Mamdani gave each other during the Democratic mayoral primary in June, a move that helped both of them advance under ranked‑choice voting.
A one‑term comptroller, Lander, who previously served on the Brooklyn City Council, plans to hold his official launch event on Wednesday evening. Though Mamdani had been expected to cheer Lander on in the campaign, the two have had a shaky relationship over the past year. While Mamdani’s group’s “far‑left” stance might prompt another challenger next year, sources indicate he would still back Lander for a congressional seat.
Lander had long been eyeing a leadership role in the incoming city administration, but Mamdani became frustrated when Lander touted himself as a senior voice in the new government staffed by younger progressive leaders. The Queens Assemblyman viewed Lander’s self‑portrayal as a “good‑government” figure as somewhat misleading.
Politico was the first outlet to break the story about Lander’s impending congressional bid. The news came amid speculation that other Democratic socialist colleagues, like City Council Member Alexa Aviles, could also mount a challenge to Goldman.
Goldman, who inherited a share of the Levi Strauss fortune, was first elected in 2022 after surviving a crowded primary. He represents New York’s 10th Congressional District, which covers parts of Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. —Additional reporting by Vaughn Golden
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