Former NYC comptroller Lander challenges the incumbent Goldman in Democratic primary

Brad Lander and Rep. Dan Goldman are locked in a heated Democratic primary battle for New York's 10th Congressional District, with their differing views on Israel emerging as the central issue.

Lander, the former New York City comptroller, has made his refusal to accept campaign donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) a cornerstone of his campaign. He identifies as a "liberal Zionist" and is a former member of the Democratic Socialists of America, having left the group after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks due to their participation in a pro-Palestinian rally. Lander has openly used the term "genocide" to describe Israel's actions in Gaza and has criticized AIPAC's influence on political campaigns.

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On October 8th, they advertised a rally that I thought was heinous, that spoke about Hamas in ways that I just thought were vile, and I could not continue to be a member.

Goldman, an attorney who previously led the impeachment inquiry against former President Donald Trump, has a more supportive stance on Israel, which has become increasingly unpopular in his diverse Manhattan and Brooklyn district. Despite both candidates identifying as Zionists, their approaches and public statements on the conflict have created a clear divide. Goldman's campaign has reportedly outspent Lander's significantly on advertising.

Polling from Emerson College indicated a substantial lead for Lander heading into the primary. The winner of this primary is widely expected to secure the seat in the general election due to the district's strong Democratic leanings. Lander has garnered endorsements from progressive figures like Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, as well as various progressive organizations, while Goldman's campaign asserts AIPAC is not involved in his fundraising efforts.

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Israel is not the most important issue in this district.