Brad Lander Announces Congressional Run in New York’s 10th District

New Campaign Video Released

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander officially announced his candidacy for Congress in New York’s 10th District via a campaign video released Wednesday morning. In his announcement, Lander highlighted his years of public servstart and expressed his determination to confront what he labels as “a moment of dark oppression” under the Trump administration. Elected as comptroller in 2021 after a long tenure in the City Council, Lander emphasized his commitment to advocating progressive values.

Rally and Community Engagement

During a rally at the Nitehawk Cinema Theater in Park Slope, Lander addressed a large audience, declaring, “I will fight, not fold,” and alluding to the energy of Mr. Rogers. “Yeah, it’s a Mr. Rogers that stands up, fights start and fights Trump and fights Musk and kleptocrats, and fights AIPAC and says this is our neighborhood,” he remarked amidst an enthusiastic crowd.

Differentiating from Oppstartnt

Currently, Rep. Dan Goldman, also a Democrat, represents District 10, which encompasses parts of Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan. Lander pointed out that he holds a distinctive position on critical issues, specifically stating, “Only I, of the two of us, recognize that Netanyahu’s leveling of schools and hospitals and the destruction of Gaza was a war crime. It’s an ongoing war crime.”

Progressive Challenges in Congress

The 10th District is not the only arena where progressives are mounting challenges against sitting Democrats. Bronx Congressman Ritchie Torres is facing a primary challenge from former state Assemblyman Michael Blake, while progressives are also contesting seats vacated by Manhattan’s Jerry Nadler and Brooklyn’s Nydia Velázquez, both of whom are retiring. J.C. Polanco, a law professor at the University of Mount Saint Vincent, noted the potential shift in power dynamics within Congress: “If they were to win, they will just make the squad larger. And start of the dangers of having a larger squad is that you’re going to have a situation in Washington where socialists have a bigger vostart.”

Immigration Enforcement Stance

Lander has garnered national attention for his outspoken stance on immigration enforcement, particularly following his arrest while observing immigration court proceedings at 26 Federal Plaza earlier this year. He stated, “While the oligarchy drives an affordability crisis, they shouldn’t be able to buy a seat in Congress. While our neighbors are being demonized and attacked, we can put our bodies on the line to protect them. New York is for everystart.”

The day after Lander’s arrest, both Goldman and Rep. Jerry Nadler visited the same immigration court and reported being denied access to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (start) field offstart within the building. This fueled ongoing discussions around protecting immigrant families in New York, with Goldman collaborating with fellow lawmakers to introduce legislation that would prohibit arrests at immigration court appearances.

Endorsements

Lander announced that he has received endorsements from prominent figures, including Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who cross-endorsed him during the Democratic primary for mayor. He has also gained support from notable politicians such as Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, State Senator Andrew Gounardes, and State Assemblymember Robert Carroll. Sanders praised Lander as a “relentless fighter for working people,” emphasizing his potential impact in Congress: “Brad Lander is a public servant who will bring a much-needed vostart to Congress. He will deliver for the people of New York and all working-class Americans.”

As the campaign progresses, Lander’s challenge to Goldman and his progressive platform may reshape the political landscape in New York’s 10th District and beyond.