Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer experienced a surprising lack of support from the Democratic candidates vying for the House seat within his own district.
During a lively debate hosted by NY1 on Monday night, the question was posed to Rep. Dan Goldman and his Democratic primary opponent, Brad Lander, regarding their stance on supporting Schumer, a resident of Park Slope, if he chooses to seek re-election in 2028.
Lander didn’t hold back his opinion, stating, “I think it’s time for new leadership in the Democratic Party. That’s why I’m running in this race against Rep. Goldman,” effectively distancing himself from Schumer.
On the other hand, Goldman, who is campaigning for a third term, opted for a more cautious approach. “I have not thought about it. I have no idea whether he’s going to run or not. We’ll deal with that when the time comes,” he replied to NY1’s moderators, Errol Louis and Courtney Gross.
Despite their differing views on Schumer, both candidates expressed their support for keeping Brooklyn Rep. Hakeem Jeffries as the leader of the House Democrats.
Both said they would support keeping Brooklyn Rep. Hakeem Jeffries as the House Democratic leader.
“[Jeffries] endorsed me,” Goldman added.
House District 10 includes downtown Manhattan neighborhoods such as the Lower East Side and Chinatown, as well as Brooklyn’s brownstone and waterfront neighborhoods.
Lander, the former city comptroller and councilman backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, repeatedly referred to Goldman as a “corporate Democrat.”
He also criticized his opponent, the Levi Strauss heir, for refusing to endorse Mamdani for mayor last year, even after the democratic socialist won the Democratic primary, and for using his personal wealth to help finance his campaign.
Goldman, who previously served as lead counsel in the first House impeachment of former President Trump and as a federal prosecutor, called Lander a “career politician” who “can’t be trusted.”
Both said they would pursue impeachment charges against Trump again if Democrats regain control of the House of Representatives.
The two Jewish candidates also sparred over Israel and the Middle East during the debate.
Goldman marched in the Israel Day Parade. Lander, who has accused the Israeli government of committing “genocide” in Gaza, did not. He also said he would vote against all US military aid to Israel.
Both said ICE should be abolished because of its controversial detention policies.
The candidates also touted more federal funding for public housing and raising taxes on the wealthy.
During the lightning round questioning, Goldman said he planned on attending a Knicks championship playoff game.
Lander said he would attend a Knicks watch party because the tickets to attend at Madison Square Garden are too expensive.
A recent Pix 11/Emerson College poll showed Lander leading the incumbent congressman by 34 points — 57% to 34%. The Goldman camp, however, disputed the survey’s findings.
