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Brad Lander Wins in Heavily Jewish NY-10 Calling Out Genocide
20D AGOUSU.S. REPRESENTATIVE DANIEL GOLDMANCANDIDATE PLATFORMS & VISIONNY-10 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY

Brad Lander Wins in Heavily Jewish NY-10 Calling Out Genocide

What's the gist?

Rep. Dan Goldman, a two-term incumbent and former Trump impeachment counsel, lost the NY-10 Democratic primary to former City Comptroller Brad Lander by more than 30 points. Israel policy and a powerful endorsement from Mayor Zohran Mamdani were central to Lander's decisive victory.

Context

Goldman first won NY-10 in 2022 through a self-funded, crowded primary and built a national profile as lead counsel in Trump's first impeachment. He secured backing from Gov. Hochul and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, but struggled to hold off a progressive wave reshaping New York City politics. Lander, who ran for Mayor against Mamdani in the primaries, secured the Mayor's endorsement. In NY-10 approximately 25% of voters have identified as Jewish so Israel was a large part of the conversation. Lander has repeatedly said he recognizes Israel but also said he wants it to be a safe place for Palestinians and called for an end to genocide in Gaza.

Positive takes

Standing Firm on Principle. Goldman staked out a nuanced position on Israel, supporting the country while criticizing Netanyahu — a harder sell in a progressive district, but a stance his backers saw as honest and morally serious rather than pandering.
Establishment Credibility. Endorsements from Gov. Hochul and House Minority Leader Jeffries showed Goldman had earned the trust of key Democratic leaders who saw him as an effective fighter against the Trump administration on issues like abortion and immigration.
Experienced Voice Against Trump. As the lead counsel in Trump's first impeachment and a fierce critic throughout Trump's return to power, Goldman brought rare experience and national visibility to the fight, which his supporters argued made him one of the party's most valuable members.

Negative takes

Out of Step With His Own District. Even in one of the most heavily Jewish congressional districts in the country — about 25% Jewish — Goldman's close ties to AIPAC and refusal to call for restricting military aid to Israel cost him badly, signaling how sharply Democratic voters' views on Gaza have shifted.
Swept Out by a Progressive Wave. Goldman became the fifth House incumbent to lose a primary in 2026, a sign that Democratic voters are impatient with incumbents seen as too cozy with the party establishment at a moment when grassroots energy is demanding bolder action.
Outmatched by Mamdani's Machine. Mayor Mamdani's decision to break party lines and back Lander gave the challenger enormous organizational and political momentum, and Goldman was unable to counter the alliance between Lander and New York City's rising progressive leadership.
News sources
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    Ben Kamisar · The New York Times · June 24, 2026
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    Politico Staff · Politico · June 23, 2026
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    FOX 5 New York Staff · FOX 5 New York · June 24, 2026
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Social takes
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    @cjsprigman.bsky.social · Bluesky · Negative take
Who are you leaning toward in this race?Pick a candidate to see where New Yorkers stand