USA (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – New York City Comptroller Brad Lander declares his candidacy for a U.S. House seat, challenging Representative Daniel Goldman in the Democratic primary with endorsements from Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, and the Working Families Party. This move signals a progressive pushback against the Democratic establishment amid tensions over Trump resistance and local priorities.
Brad Lander Announces Congressional Challenge
Brad Lander, the New York City comptroller, formally announced on Wednesday his bid for a House seat encompassing Brooklyn and Manhattan, directly challenging incumbent Representative Daniel Goldman in the Democratic primary. As reported by Dana Rubinstein and Emma G. Fitzsimmons of The New York Times, Lander aims to harness the district’s progressive legacy, which strongly supported democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani during the November mayoral elections.
Lander’s entry marks a pivotal test of the progressive movement’s influence in the district. In a recent interview cited by Rubinstein and Fitzsimmons in The New York Times, Lander stated, “New Yorkers seek representatives who will stand up and resist Trump while collaborating with the mayor to create an affordable and welcoming city for all.” He added, “Our mayor requires a supporter in Washington, not an opponent.”
The announcement underscores Lander’s positioning as a fighter against President Trump’s policies, particularly on immigrant rights. Lander declared, “Voters are searching for someone who will fight as if our lives depend on it, because they truly do.” This comes after Goldman appeared at a press event outside Federal Plaza, where Lander had been arrested, advocating for legislation to protect immigrants from apprehension during court proceedings.
Key Endorsements Bolster Lander’s Campaign
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani swiftly endorsed Lander, highlighting their alliance. As reported by Dana Rubinstein and Emma G. Fitzsimmons of The New York Times, Mamdani remarked in a statement that Lander is a “true leader” characterised by “steadfast principles, extensive knowledge, and genuine empathy.” Mamdani continued,
“He has been a reliable ally and partner, and I am proud to support him, confident he will continue serving those who need government assistance the most.”
Lander also unveiled high-profile backing from Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, the progressive Working Families Party, and Jumaane Williams, the city’s public advocate. At 56 years old, Lander emphasised unity among progressives, stating in the New York Times interview, “I have put myself forward, and I have been a collaborative team member. People throughout the district are familiar with me.”
This support contrasts with Mamdani’s recent advice to progressive candidate Chi Ossé against challenging House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Last month, as noted in The New York Times, Mamdani urged Ossé not to run, yet his endorsement of Lander shows willingness to confront the establishment. Meanwhile, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso recently declared his candidacy for a seat vacated by Representative Nydia M. Velázquez.
Lander’s Critique of Goldman and Campaign Themes
Lander’s campaign video pointedly avoids naming Goldman but criticises influences like AIPAC, the pro-Israel lobbying group that heavily backed Goldman. According to Rubinstein and Fitzsimmons in The New York Times, Lander asserts he would not act in accordance with “AIPAC’s bidding.” He further targets “the oligarchy,” implying Goldman’s wealthy donors and the nearly $5 million Goldman self-funded in his prior campaign.
Lander described Goldman as too passive amid a “five-alarm fire for our democracy.” This rhetoric positions Lander as a more aggressive advocate. His background includes serving as a city council member representing part of the House district in Park Slope from 2010 to 2021, winning comptroller in 2021, and placing third in the recent mayoral primary.
Historical Context of Lander-Mamdani Alliance
The Lander-Mamdani partnership traces back to the mayoral race. As detailed by Dana Rubinstein and Emma G. Fitzsimmons of The New York Times, towards the end of that contest, Lander and Mamdani mutually endorsed each other to surpass former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. This cross-endorsement was covered extensively; for instance, Zach Williams of amNewYork reported on 12 June 2025 that City Comptroller Brad Lander and Queens Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani officially cross-endorsed each other Friday in the race for mayor, uniting to block Cuomo’s bid.
Gothamist also noted on 12 June 2025 that Mamdani and Lander endorsed each other a day after hammering Cuomo on the debate stage. Politico’s reporter on 13 June 2025 described the progressives joining forces explicitly to thwart Cuomo’s front-runner status. This alliance led Lander to anticipate a role as Mamdani’s senior deputy mayor.
However, post-election dynamics shifted. The New York Times on 13 November 2025 titled “The Strategic Uncoupling of Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander,” hinting at evolving priorities. Earlier, on 5 November 2025, RNZ’s coverage of Mamdani’s triumph referenced Lander’s role: by the weekend before the election, Lander’s wife told friends Mamdani had called saying he would not get a top job. Lander then solicited donors for a congressional run against Goldman, per a person familiar. Lander declined comment but said,
“This is the start of something, not the end of something, and it’s – we got to keep going.”
Broader Progressive Landscape and Implications
Mamdani’s influence extends beyond this race. BBC reported Mamdani pledging to stand up to Trump threats in his first post-win press conference, calling them “inevitable.” Dawn.com framed Mamdani’s mayoral victory as breaking barriers, not a fluke but a city’s evolution. These elements contextualise Lander’s bid as part of a larger progressive surge.
Lander’s strategy echoes his mayoral pivot: rebooting as a Cuomo critic, with anti-Cuomo ads and events, allowing Mamdani positive closure. RNZ detailed Lander sending an aide to place a Covid victim’s son in Cuomo’s sightline at a debate. This tactical history bolsters Lander’s congressional prospects.
The primary will gauge progressive cohesion. Lander stressed rallying behind one candidate, leveraging district familiarity from his council tenure. Amid Reynoso’s parallel bid and Mamdani’s selective endorsements, this race highlights fault lines in New York Democrats.
Potential Challenges Ahead
Goldman’s incumbency and fundraising prowess pose hurdles. His self-funding and AIPAC support contrast Lander’s grassroots appeal. Yet Lander’s comptroller oversight role and progressive endorsements provide momentum.
Mamdani’s transition to mayor-elect adds layers; his advice shaped other races. The district’s leftist bent, evident in Mamdani’s strong showing, favours Lander but demands unity. Observers watch if Warren, Sanders, and Williams amplify turnout.
This development ripples through city politics. As Lander pivots from City Hall disappointment to Congress, it tests alliances forged in the mayoral crucible. Neutral observers note the high stakes for progressives under Trump.
