Hochul Jumps Into The Ring As Goldman-Lander Showdown Intensifies In NYC

NEW YORK, NY— Rep. Dan Goldman enlisted Gov. Kathy Hochul as the Democratic primary in New York’s 10th Congressional District tightens ahead of the June 23 vote, with challenger Brad Lander backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Hochul joined Goldman at a rally Monday at the Manhattan headquarters of public employee union DC37, praising the congressman’s response to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

“When Dan Goldman sees the assaults of the Trump administration on our immigrant community, he is the number one defender, standing up, using his power and his voice to stand up for people who are being abused,” Hochul said.

The district stretches from Lower Manhattan through parts of brownstone Brooklyn, including neighborhoods such as Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope and Carroll Gardens.

Goldman framed the race as a test of experience and effectiveness as Lander mounted a challenge from the left with backing from Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

“This race is between me and Brad Lander,” Goldman said. “I think the governor, having worked with me for four years, recognizes who the better candidate is to deliver for New York.”

Lander, the city’s former comptroller, has repeatedly criticized Goldman’s support for Israel and cast himself as a more confrontational opponent of Trump’s deportation agenda.

Hours before Goldman’s rally, Lander appeared outside immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza after observing proceedings there.

He pointed to his arrest last year while confronting immigration agents detaining an undocumented immigrant as evidence of his opposition to federal deportation policies.

The increasingly combative race has spilled into online advertising.

A sponsored Google result paid for by Goldman’s campaign asks voters, “Can you trust Brad Lander,” and links to attacks over Lander’s alleged ties to Palantir and ICE.

Goldman’s allies also moved to elevate concerns about Lander’s labor record.

At Monday’s rally, DC37 President Henry Garrido said Goldman “has been a consistent voice for strengthening collective bargaining rights.”

“That’s an important piece, folks — something that his opponent has forgotten to do,” Garrido said.

Lander enters the final stretch with deep roots on the Brooklyn side of the district and support from progressive activists aligned with Mamdani.

A poll conducted May 1 through 4 for the Goldman-aligned super PAC New Yorkers Fighting Back found Lander leading with 47 percent support among likely Democratic primary voters, compared with Goldman’s 42 percent.

The survey of 465 voters carried a margin of error of 4.5 percentage points.

The same poll found Goldman moved into the lead after voters viewed positive messaging about him and negative messaging about Lander.

The escalating fight has pushed Goldman to pour at least $1 million of his own money into the race as outside groups prepare for a costly final stretch in one of New York City’s most closely watched Democratic primaries.