What’s Next for Brad Lander? From Mamdani’s Jewish Ally to a Potential NY‑10 Challenger

What’s next for Brad Lander after aligning with Zohran Mamdani?

Brad Lander, the outgoing New York City comptroller and a self‑described liberal Zionist, is weighing his next political move after closely aligning with newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Their public partnership — highlighted when Lander declared himself "a Jew for Zohran" at a left‑wing Jewish gala — helped shore up support for Mamdani among some Jewish voters despite tensions over Israel and the mayor's anti‑Zionist past.

From mayoral ally to an uncertain City Hall role

After cross‑endorsing Mamdani in the Democratic primary and campaigning for him through the general election, Lander expected to play a role in the incoming administration. But Mamdani assembled his leadership team without offering Lander a top post, leaving the comptroller politically adrift as his term ends next month. That uncertainty has fueled speculation that Lander may seek a federal office instead.

Eyeing the 10th Congressional District

Lander has told reporters he is "very seriously considering" a primary challenge to Rep. Dan Goldman in New York's 10th Congressional District. The district spans Lower Manhattan and parts of western and central Brooklyn — areas where Lander has strong name recognition from three City Council terms and recent campaigning. A September Data for Progress poll found Lander leading Goldman 52% to 33% in a hypothetical two‑way race, though strategists caution early polls can be misleading.

How Israel policy could shape a primary

Positions on Israel and the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict are likely to be a central axis of any contest. Lander calls himself a liberal Zionist but has sharpened his criticism of Israeli policy since his alliance with Mamdani. During the campaign season he began using the term "genocide" to describe Israel's military operations in Gaza — a word he says he adopted after conversations with his daughter about Raphael Lemkin.

Goldman, a centrist, did not endorse in the mayoral general election and publicly expressed concerns about some of Mamdani's rhetoric. Those differences could crystallize into a vigorous debate over foreign policy and community safety if Lander runs.

Progressive dynamics and potential rivals

Progressive activists have expressed interest in replacing Goldman with a candidate more closely aligned to their politics. City Council member Alexa Aviles is often mentioned as a possible competitor; strategists note she could appeal to Latino voters and secure endorsements from groups such as the Democratic Socialists of America, complicating Lander's path.

The DSA initially pledged not to back potential opponents to Lander but later voted to endorse Aviles after Lander spent time waiting for a possible role in City Hall — a development that highlights the internal maneuvering among left‑wing groups to avoid a divisive primary.

Lander’s contributions and criticism

Lander's endorsement and outreach helped Mamdani connect with some Jewish communities: he brought Mamdani to progressive synagogues, emphasized the mayor‑elect’s commitment to Jewish safety, and personally reassured voters who were uneasy about Mamdani's positions. Supporters credit Lander with expanding Mamdani's appeal and helping secure critical margins in Brooklyn.

But critics argue Lander "kosherized" or enabled rhetoric they see as hostile to Jews. Conservative commentators have framed his role as emblematic of a broader collapse in Jewish political institutions in the city, while others worry his shift in terminology on Gaza signals a broader leftward drift.

What to watch next

Lander has not announced any campaign. He told supporters at a recent Standing Together event that he "won’t be making any news tonight," but added he will share plans for future public service. Key developments to watch include whether Lander formally files for the NY‑10 race, where endorsements fall (including Mamdani's stated willingness to back him), and how the primary field shapes up if Aviles or other progressives enter.

Bottom line: Lander's next move could reshape local and national conversations about Jewish representation, progressive politics, and U.S. engagement with Israel — especially if he squares off against Goldman in a hotly contested primary.