Rep. Dan Goldman is facing growing political trouble in his New York City district as progressive challenger Brad Lander gains support from the city’s left-wing political network.
Goldman, a New York Democrat, first became nationally known in 2019 when he served as lead counsel during the first impeachment of President Donald Trump.
Since entering Congress in 2022, Goldman has remained one of Trump’s most outspoken Democratic critics, frequently appearing in media and congressional hearings to attack the president and defend investigations involving him.
But now Goldman is facing pressure from inside his own party.
TRENDING TODAY
Brad Lander, backed by allies connected to Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s democratic socialist political machine, is gaining traction in Goldman’s district and threatening to turn the race into a major intraparty fight.
The challenge highlights a growing divide among New York Democrats between wealthy establishment liberals and a younger, more aggressive progressive movement focused on housing, affordability, policing, immigration and economic inequality.
Goldman’s critics argue that he has spent too much time building a national profile around Trump and not enough time addressing local concerns in his district.
Supporters of Lander say voters want a representative more closely aligned with the city’s left-wing grassroots movement rather than a wealthy lawmaker tied to old Democratic power structures.
Goldman, however, still has major advantages. He has name recognition, fundraising power and strong connections within national Democratic circles.
His supporters argue that his legal experience and willingness to confront Trump make him an important voice in Congress at a time when Democrats are trying to counter the Republican agenda.
Still, the rise of a serious progressive challenge could force Goldman to defend his record more aggressively and focus more attention on district-level issues.
The race is also drawing national interest because it reflects a larger fight over the future of the Democratic Party.
In cities like New York, progressives have increasingly challenged establishment Democrats from the left, arguing that traditional party figures are too cautious and too disconnected from working-class voters.
For Republicans and Trump supporters, Goldman’s political trouble is being viewed as ironic. A lawmaker who built much of his national identity around opposing Trump is now fighting to survive a challenge from his own party’s left flank.
The primary is expected to become one of the most closely watched Democratic contests in New York, especially if Lander continues gaining momentum and progressive organizations increase their support.
For Goldman, the race may become a test of whether anti-Trump national politics are enough to protect him in a district where local progressive energy is rising fast.
Mamdani-endorsed Brad Lander could pull off huge win against NY Rep. Dan Goldman: poll https://t.co/xolVcigogc pic.twitter.com/a4x4PcTWnP
— New York Post (@nypost) May 21, 2026
