Former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander has opened a commanding lead over incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman in the Democratic primary for New York’s 10th Congressional District, according to a new poll that signals significant voter dissatisfaction with the sitting congressman.
The Emerson College Polling/PIX 11 survey, conducted May 16-17, found 56.6% of likely Democratic primary voters backing Lander, compared to 23.1% for Goldman. More than 20% of respondents remain undecided, leaving Goldman with a steep climb just weeks before the primary.
Lander launched his challenge to Goldman late last year, shortly after losing the Democratic mayoral primary to Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani has since endorsed Lander’s congressional bid, praising him as a fighter for working families. In his announcement video, Lander framed his campaign around grassroots organizing, citing efforts to stop evictions, build housing, desegregate schools, and protect immigrants from ICE.
“I recognize this moment, and I’m ready to meet it,” Lander said in the video.
Goldman, who has represented the district since 2023, initially declined to engage with Lander’s challenge, telling PIX11’s “Politics Daily” that he was focused on protecting health care in Washington. The incumbent’s low profile in the district may be contributing to his deficit, as voters appear eager for a more aggressive progressive voice.
The race has drawn attention as part of a broader pattern of intra-party challenges in safe Democratic seats. In other contests, such as the Georgia House primaries where incumbents are eyeing Senate runs or retiring, similar dynamics are playing out. Meanwhile, tech-driven distortions in political messaging have been flagged as a threat to democratic trust, a concern that could influence voter turnout in this race.
The Emerson College/PIX 11 poll surveyed 450 likely Democratic primary voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.6 percentage points. With Lander’s double-digit lead and a sizable undecided bloc, the primary remains competitive, but Goldman faces an uphill battle to close the gap.
Political analysts note that Lander’s strong showing reflects both his name recognition from the mayoral race and a desire for change among district voters. The outcome could have implications for national Democratic strategy, especially as figures like former Mayor Bill de Blasio weigh in on future front-runners.
