Brad Lander, the outgoing New York City comptroller and a major player in progressive politics, announced Wednesday he would run for Congress, challenging moderate pro-Israel Democrat Dan Goldman for a district that includes Lower Manhattan and northwest Brooklyn.

Progressives are hoping to build on the momentum of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani’s stunning victory in the mayoral election across several races in 2026. It remains to be seen if Mamdani’s win portends a more significant swing to the left for Democrats.

“Our mayor can have an ally in Washington instead of an adversary in his own backyard,” Lander said in a video , which referred to Goldman’s pro-Israel position as well as his wealth. “While the oligarchy drives the affordability crisis, they shouldn’t be able to buy a

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