New York City Comptroller Brad Lander Announces Congressional Bid in 10th District
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Democratic party, Comptroller Brad Lander has announced his candidacy for Congress in New York's 10th District. The Brooklyn-based politician, who has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration, released a campaign video on Wednesday morning, touting his years of service in the City Council and calling for an end to what he describes as "a moment of dark oppression".
Lander, who was elected as Comptroller in 2021 after spending 12 years in the City Council, where he co-founded the Progressive Caucus, has been a thorn in the side of the Trump administration on several occasions. In 2025, he was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while observing an immigration court hearing at 26 Federal Plaza, but was released hours later with charges dropped.
Lander's campaign video highlights his commitment to social justice and progressive values, as well as his determination to take on the Trump administration head-on. "While the oligarchy drives an affordability crisis, they shouldn't be able to buy a seat in Congress," he says in the video. "New York is for everyone."
The move is seen by many as a bid to capitalize on the growing popularity of progressive candidates among Democratic voters. With several other high-profile retirements set to shake up the party's leadership, Lander is poised to become part of a new generation of left-wing leaders.
However, Lander will face stiff competition from within his own party, particularly from Rep. Dan Goldman, who currently represents the 10th District. Goldman has released a statement saying he is focused on stopping the Trump administration's policies and criticizing Lander as a "far-left" candidate who is not in line with his own progressive record.
The contest for control of the party is set to intensify, with several other seats up for grabs in the coming months. If successful, Lander will join a growing cohort of progressive Democrats who are poised to wield significant power in Washington.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Democratic party, Comptroller Brad Lander has announced his candidacy for Congress in New York's 10th District. The Brooklyn-based politician, who has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration, released a campaign video on Wednesday morning, touting his years of service in the City Council and calling for an end to what he describes as "a moment of dark oppression".
Lander, who was elected as Comptroller in 2021 after spending 12 years in the City Council, where he co-founded the Progressive Caucus, has been a thorn in the side of the Trump administration on several occasions. In 2025, he was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while observing an immigration court hearing at 26 Federal Plaza, but was released hours later with charges dropped.
Lander's campaign video highlights his commitment to social justice and progressive values, as well as his determination to take on the Trump administration head-on. "While the oligarchy drives an affordability crisis, they shouldn't be able to buy a seat in Congress," he says in the video. "New York is for everyone."
The move is seen by many as a bid to capitalize on the growing popularity of progressive candidates among Democratic voters. With several other high-profile retirements set to shake up the party's leadership, Lander is poised to become part of a new generation of left-wing leaders.
However, Lander will face stiff competition from within his own party, particularly from Rep. Dan Goldman, who currently represents the 10th District. Goldman has released a statement saying he is focused on stopping the Trump administration's policies and criticizing Lander as a "far-left" candidate who is not in line with his own progressive record.
The contest for control of the party is set to intensify, with several other seats up for grabs in the coming months. If successful, Lander will join a growing cohort of progressive Democrats who are poised to wield significant power in Washington.
he's literally the only candidate who gets it - all these rich ppl think they can just buy seats in congress and it's like, nope not on our watch 
his commitment to social justice is everything and more 
I mean, have you seen his video? "A moment of dark oppression" gives me CHILLS 
Dan Goldman thinks he's got this one in the bag but let's be real, Lander is the people's champ 
I'm 100% voting for him, who else will stand up to the oligarchy and fight for affordable housing 
I'm telling ya, Brad Lander's gonna be all over this 10th district like a bad rash! He's been talking the talk for years, and now it's time to walk the walk. His whole "dark oppression" vibe is giving me some serious Bernie Sanders vibes 
, but at least he's not as old-school as Bernie 
. I'm curious to see how Dan Goldman rolls with this - they're like two peas in a pod, those two... both progressive, but also kinda establishment-y 
. Can't wait to see the drama unfold! 
I mean, I get it, he's been a thorn in their side for ages 
I guess that's not how politics works anymore 
anyway, this could be interesting... might be cool to see him take on the party too 
. As for Dan Goldman being a "far-left" candidate... I think that's just code for "he's not as radical as Lander 
". Still, gotta give credit to both of them for trying to shake things up in Washington 
. Plus, Rep. Goldman is no slouch either - they're both progressive, but Lander's been pretty vocal about being a "far-left" candidate... that might alienate some folks who just want someone who's still left-wing but not too extreme 
. Can't say I'm surprised he's taking on the Trump admin though, those guys are gonna keep pushing boundaries if anyone can 
.
i mean yeah its gonna get competitive with dan Goldman but i think lander's got this 
lets support him and hope for a brighter future for all americans 
. Like, Rep Goldman is already setting himself up as the more "moderate" option and people are gonna go with that. And don't even get me started on how Lander's past run-ins with ICE are gonna come back to haunt him... I mean, who wants a candidate with a history of getting arrested by immigration authorities? 
It's like he's trying to make himself unpopular on purpose. And let's be real, the Democratic party is all about pragmatism and finding common ground, not about embracing radical left-wing ideologies. So yeah, Lander's gonna struggle to get traction with voters in a swing district like this one... 
. And, honestly, if this is all about party politics, can't we just focus on getting stuff done for the people? 
And what's with the timing? Is this a calculated move to capitalize on other people's retirements or is he genuinely passionate about it? I need to see some concrete actions and policy proposals before I get excited. Where's the source on these claims, btw? 
️, I mean, I kinda love how he's framing it as a "moment of dark oppression" and calling out the oligarchy 
I mean, I love his spirit but this is crazy talk! He's got a point about the oligarchy driving an affordability crisis though... it's like they're just getting richer while the rest of us struggle. 
I hope Lander can bring in some fresh blood and shake things up in Washington. We need more people willing to take on the powers that be and fight for real change. 
but also kinda inspiring? how can one person make such a big impact? is it cuz he's been in politics for so long or is there something else going on here? 
and I need to see some concrete sources on this "affordability crisis" he's talking about, because last time I checked NYC wasn't exactly known for being affordable 
. And now he's all like "New York is for everyone, let's take on the oligarchy"