Incumbent Congress member Dan Goldman formally launched his 2026 re-election marketing campaign on Tuesday, getting ready to face off towards major challenger Brad Lander in NY-10.
A former prosecutor who headed the primary impeachment inquiry towards President Donald Trump in 2019, Goldman centered his marketing campaign — which he launched on the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6 rebellion — round his capacity to combat again towards Trump within the coming years.
“Five years ago, Donald Trump’s mob of extremists launched an attack on our democracy to overthrow an election in an effort to install a wannabe dictator in office. Today, that threat to our core values has become existential, and we need principled, experienced leaders who not only fight but know how to win,” he mentioned in a press release.
In a press launch, Goldman mentioned his expertise could be “critical” to holding the Trump administration accountable if Democrats win again the bulk in Congress subsequent yr.
Goldman mentioned his expertise preventing towards Trump could be ‘critical’ in coming years. File photograph by Gabriele Holtermann
The congressmember, looking for his third time period, touted payments he launched in 2025 to ban ICE brokers from carrying masks whereas making arrests and to bar federal brokers from arresting immigrants attending legally-mandated hearings at immigration court docket. Goldman has additionally pushed for his congressional proper to enter and examine services the place ICE detainees are being saved, and was forcibly shut out of such services a number of occasions final yr.
In his marketing campaign launch video, Goldman mentioned he additionally needs to “go on offense,” by taxing billionaires to pay for common childcare, Medicare for All, and the Inexperienced New Deal.
Goldman, an inheritor to the Levi-Strauss fortune, spent ten years as Assistant U.S. Legal professional within the Southern District of New York earlier than changing into a senior advisor and director of investigations on the Home Everlasting Choose Intelligence Committee.
He received a slim victory within the 2022 Democratic major in NY-10, and has gained nationwide recognition for his criticism of Trump and progressive voting file.
Goldman has earned nationwide recognition for his criticism of Trump and progressive voting file. File photograph by Dean Moses
However he has begun to face criticism in his largely left-leaning district — which incorporates all of decrease Manhattan beneath 18th Road and elements of Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Gowanus, the Columbia Waterfront District, Boerum Hill, Pink Hook, Prospect Heights, Park Slope, Sundown Park, Borough Park and Bay Ridge — over his assist for Israel.
Although Goldman has condemned the actions of Israeli president Benjamin Netanyahu and voiced his assist for a ceasefire and humanitarian help in Gaza, he has supported sending weapons and help to Israel and pushed again on assertions that Israel could have dedicated a genocide or conflict crimes in Gaza.
That was the place Lander got here in. After a failed mayoral bid, the previous Comptroller — whose time period ended on Dec. 31, 2025 — launched his congressional marketing campaign final month. A minimum of two different progressives, Council Member Alexa Avilés and former Meeting Member Yuh-Line Niou, opted to not be a part of the first in an effort to assist Lander’s candidacy.
Lander, who launched his congressional run final month. File photograph by Gabriele Holtermann
Lander took intention at Goldman in his marketing campaign video, declaring he was working for Congress “because the challenges we face can’t be solved with strongly-worded letter or high-dollar fundraisers,” or “by doing AIPAC’s bidding.”
A self-described liberal Zionist, Lander has spoken out about Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, criticized the conflict in Gaza, and supported a everlasting ceasefire.
The previous comptroller, who served eight years as Council Member in District 39 — which incorporates lots of the neighborhoods that make up NY-10 — says on his marketing campaign web site that he believes in “Bridges, not Bombs,” and would work to rebuild USAID and “push back against an imperial presidency.”
He additionally says he’ll “fight rapidly-advancing authoritarianism,” citing his arrest by federal brokers at 26 Federal Plaza earlier this yr and subsequent promise to take the federal authorities to court docket.
Lander was arrested by ICE at 26 Federal Plaza earlier this yr.File photograph by Dean Moses
Nearer to dwelling, Lander says he would convey housing expertise to Washington to guard tenants, finish homelessness and construct extra inexpensive housing in New York Metropolis; and assist staff’ rights and Medicare for all.
Lander has been endorsed by progressives like Mayor Zohran Mamdani, U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren and the Working Households Celebration.
However Goldman instantly earned the endorsements of Gov. Kathy Hochul and congressional leaders together with fellow Brooklynite and Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries.
“New Yorkers need experienced fighters in Washington who know how to stand up to abuse of power,” Hochul mentioned in a press release. “Dan Goldman is exactly that kind of leader, taking on Donald Trump directly and fighting every day for our state, our democracy, and his district. I’m proud to endorse Dan for re-election and look forward to continuing our work together.”
In a joint assertion, Jeffries, Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar mentioned Goldman had been a “leader” within the Democratic caucus, and that his expertise main Trump’s first impeachment proceedings had proved “invaluable in pushing back against the extremist agenda of House Republicans.”
Goldman received fast endorsements from Gov. Kathy Hochul and Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries.Images courtesy of Mike Groll/Workplace of Gov. Kathy Hochul and Evelyn Hockstein/REUTERS
“His unique investigative ability will be critical to the work of the House Judiciary Committee in the next Congress,” they mentioned. “Rep. Goldman’s strong leadership skills are needed in Washington as we protect our democracy and defend the rule of law. We look forward to working closely together with him in the years to come.”
Earlier than their opposing campaigns, Goldman and Lander had labored collectively to demand accountability and motion towards unlawful actions by ICE brokers.
The Major Election for the 2026 midterms in New York will happen on June 23, 2026.
The NY-10 race is not going to be the one one to look at — candidates are lining as much as change outgoing congress members Nydia Velázquez and Jerry Nadler in NY-7 and NY-12, respectively, in what’s anticipated to be a heated Democratic major season.
