Brad Lander has defeated incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman in a New York Democratic primary, with Lander expected to win the general election. Lander's victory is considered a significant gain for the ascendant left wing of the Democratic Party.
The election results highlight the growing influence of the progressive wing within the Democratic Party and the ongoing debate over foreign policy, particularly concerning the Israel-Gaza war.
Brad Lander has defeated incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman in a New York Democratic primary, with Lander expected to win the general election. Lander's victory is considered a significant gain for the ascendant left wing of the Democratic Party and a boost for Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who endorsed Lander. The race became a referendum on competing visions for Democrats, with Goldman representing a more centrist, establishment platform and Lander championing the progressive wing. Lander successfully made Israel's war in Gaza a central issue, positioning himself as a "liberal Zionist" and criticizing Goldman for perceived insufficient criticism of the conflict and for not supporting legislation to block U.S. military aid to Israel. Assemblywoman Claire Valdez, also backed by Mamdani, unseated Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and Darializa Avila Chevalier, another Mamdani ally, remained in a tight race for New York's 13th district. Goldman's district is considered safely Democratic, meaning Lander is expected to win the general election in November.