Zohran Mamdani Endorses Brad Lander in Democratic Primary for New York’s 10th Congressional District

New York’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, has officially endorsed Brad Lander, the city’s comptroller, in the upcoming Democratic primary for the 10th congressional district. Lander is set to challenge the incumbent Democrat, two-term Congressman Dan Goldman.

Background on the Candidates

Brad Lander’s Political Journey

Brad Lander has been a staunch ally to Mamdani during his successful mayoral campaign. During their final days of the primary, both candidates supported each other’s campaigns, demonstrating their commitment to progressive causes. Lander’s background includes:

• Advocacy for Paid Sick Leave: A significant contributor to policies that benefit working families.
• Leadership in Housing Initiatives: Oversaw one of the largest affordable housing projects in recent years.

Zohran Mamdani’s Victory

Mamdani gained significant traction in the Democratic primary, winning Goldman’s district—which encompasses the southern tip of Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn—by more than 35 points. Notably, Goldman did not endorse Mamdani during the general election.

The Significance of the Endorsement

Mamdani expressed strong support for Lander, emphasizing his unwavering principles and genuine empathy. "Brad’s unwavering principles, deep knowledge, and sincere empathy are what make him a true leader," said Mamdani in a recent statement. He added, “I’m proud to support him as I know he’ll continue delivering for those who need [government] to show up for them.”

In response to the endorsement, Lander tweeted, "Thrilled to welcome the endorsement of my friend @ZohranKMamdani as we continue to fight for the city that we love."

Lander vs. Goldman: A Clash of Ideologies

Goldman, who narrowly won his primary in 2022 by just 1,300 votes after new Congressional maps were drawn, has maintained his position through a more moderate approach. This contrasts sharply with Lander’s progressive stance, as exemplified by one of his campaign slogans: “fight, not fold.”

Diverging Paths

• Goldman’s Stance: The incumbent appears less focused on the progressive issues that resonate with the liberal base.
• Lander’s Activism: This summer, Lander was arrested while advocating for an immigrant’s rights, signaling his commitment to active engagement in crucial social issues.

Growing Support for Lander

Lander’s campaign has garnered backing from various political figures and organizations, including:

• The Working Families Party, which praised him for his leadership and dedication to NYers.
• Prominent senators like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, further solidifying Lander’s position within the progressive wing of the party.

Opposition to Multiple Left Candidates

State Assembly member Yuh-Line Liou, who earlier challenged Goldman, dropped out to consolidate support behind Lander. Liou stated, "While I would be well-positioned to win in a head-to-head race against the incumbent, the division of having multiple candidates on the left only helps the opponents of change."

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

As the primary approaches, the stakes are high for Lander. With Mamdani’s endorsement and a growing coalition of left-wing supporters, Lander is well-positioned to challenge Goldman effectively. The outcome will not only influence the future direction of New York’s congressional representation but could also reshape the dynamics within the broader Democratic Party.

For additional insights, you can follow the latest updates on Mamdani’s campaign and Lander’s initiatives.

Stay tuned as this pivotal race develops, shaping the future of New York’s political landscape.