Progressive supporters of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani celebrated on Tuesday night as Brad Lander, endorsed by Mamdani, won the Democratic primary in New York’s 12th congressional district. Lander defeated incumbent Dan Goldman by a margin of 31 points with 92% of votes counted, in a victory that underscored the durability of the city’s progressive movement.
Lander, the former city comptroller and mayoral candidate, was declared the winner at 9:04 pm at his victory party in Brooklyn. He was joined by two other Mamdani-backed candidates, Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier, who also won their primaries. All three are expected to win in November, forming a new wave of progressive Democrats in Congress.
In his victory speech, Lander said: “What a glorious time to be a New Yorker.” He added: “These past few weeks there has been a powerful energy moving through our city… a refusal to give up even against very long odds.” Lander also referenced the New York Knicks, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Lander’s win was notable for his stance on Israel’s war in Gaza. Both Lander and Goldman are Jewish, but Lander has been an outspoken critic of Israel, calling its actions in Gaza genocide. Goldman, endorsed by the pro-Israel group AIPAC, has been less critical. Lander said he would be “one of the Jewish members of Congress most willing to stand up for Palestinian human rights.”
Mamdani, who introduced Lander at the party, described him as a “good friend” and praised his “kindness” and “sincerity.” The crowd included many young supporters, reflecting Mamdani’s appeal to younger voters. Ian Ryan, 24, said Mamdani’s cross-endorsement of Lander brought the candidate to his attention.
Kate Dalton, a volunteer for Lander’s campaign, said his “moral stand on Gaza” was important to her. The party was held near Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, with supporters celebrating a victory that highlighted the growing influence of progressive politics in New York.
