Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman has lost his primary bid for New York's 10th Congressional District to former City Comptroller Brad Lander, NBC News projects. The race became a flashpoint for Democratic divisions over Israel policy and showcased the growing influence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's political network. Lander won with nearly two-thirds of the vote, marking Goldman's defeat after one term in Congress.
Goldman was considered a rising star in the Democratic Party, gaining national attention as lead counsel during President Donald Trump's first impeachment trial. He narrowly won his 2022 primary in a crowded field and built a reputation as an outspoken critic of the Trump administration on issues including abortion and immigration. Goldman leveraged personal wealth for his campaign and secured endorsements from Gov. Kathy Hochul, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and major labor unions.
What the Right Is Saying
Goldman supporters argued that his defeat leaves Democrats without an experienced voice in Congress during a critical period of divided government. His campaign emphasized his role as lead counsel in the first Trump impeachment and his willingness to take on the administration directly. Goldman secured backing from AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which has historically been a key player in House races, as well as J Street, a more liberal pro-Israel group that designated him an "approved" candidate.
Goldman sought to position himself as a progressive supporter of Israel, distinguishing between criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and support for blocking military aid. His campaign warned that Lander's more adversarial stance on Israel could alienate moderate voters in the general election, potentially putting what Democrats consider a winnable seat at risk. The incumbent also pointed to his relationships with party leadership as evidence he could deliver for the district.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressives celebrated Lander's victory as a sign that the party's base is demanding more assertive opposition to the Trump administration and a harder line on U.S. foreign policy. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont endorsed Lander, aligning with the campaign's critique of Israel's government and its conduct in the war against Hamas in Gaza. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts also backed Lander.
Lander called Israel's military campaign a "genocide" and promised to co-sponsor legislation imposing new restrictions on American military aid to Israel. He pledged to use his experience as city comptroller and City Council member to immediately engage with federal immigration courts, where he was arrested last year during advocacy for defendants facing deportation proceedings. A judge found Lander not guilty of misdemeanor charges related to that episode earlier this month.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose own election momentum reshaped city politics last year, threw his weight behind Lander after the two formed an alliance during Lander's unsuccessful mayoral bid. The win is part of a broader wave of primary challenges from Mamdani allies targeting sitting members of Congress.
What the Numbers Show
Lander won approximately 65 percent of the primary vote in New York's 10th Congressional District, which covers parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn including gentrifying neighborhoods. Goldman is the fifth House incumbent to lose a primary so far in 2026, reflecting broader voter frustration with party leadership across both chambers. Another Democratic incumbent in New York City, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, also lost his primary hours later.
The district's voter registration breakdown shows Democrats hold a significant majority, making the primary effectively the deciding contest. Turnout figures for the primary have not yet been released by the New York City Board of Elections.
The Bottom Line
Lander's victory signals that progressive candidates with strong stances on Israel and aggressive opposition to Trump administration policies can win competitive Democratic primaries in New York. It also demonstrates the electoral power of Mamdani's political operation, which has now successfully backed challenges to multiple sitting officials. Goldman will leave Congress after serving a single term, and Lander enters the general election as the heavy favorite in a heavily Democratic district. The outcome may encourage further primary challenges from progressive candidates against incumbents ahead of November elections.