NEW YORK — Outgoing New York City Comptroller Brad Lander opened his congressional campaign Wednesday with a direct swipe at AIPAC and a stylized tribute to “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” setting the tone for what is expected to be a sharply contested Democratic primary in New York’s 10th Congressional District.
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Lander, who is challenging Rep. Dan Goldman, unveiled a nearly three-minute launch video that blended soft-tone nostalgia with pointed political messaging. Though he did not mention Goldman by name, Lander repeatedly drew contrasts with the incumbent.
“I’m running for Congress because the challenges we face can’t be solved with strongly worded letters or high-dollar fundraisers — and not by doing AIPAC’s bidding,” Lander said, a clear jab at the pro-Israel lobbying group that backed Goldman in past races.
He continued by criticizing the influence of wealth in politics, an indirect reference to Goldman’s family ties to the Levi Strauss fortune. “While the oligarchy drives an affordability crisis, they shouldn’t be able to buy a seat in Congress,” Lander said.
The video also featured a homage to Fred Rogers, with Lander quoting the beloved PBS host on neighborliness before leaning into the theme:
“I know it’s corny, but I love the idea that democracy is just neighbors working together to make our lives in common better.”
He concluded the video by singing a few lines of the “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” theme song:
“Would you be mine? Could you be mine? Won’t you be my neighbor?”
Lander enters the race with support from the Working Families Party, as well as endorsements from Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who cross-endorsed Lander earlier this year, is also backing his bid.
The contest sets up a high-profile intraparty battle in a district that spans Lower Manhattan and brownstone Brooklyn — and where progressive groups are signaling they plan to make AIPAC’s influence a central issue.
Brad Lander is a sonei YISROEL who empowered Mamdani and endagers the 7 million plus yidden of EY. A Busha v’cherpa!
back in the day an attack on AIPAC was the kiss of death, what happened to this once mighty org? is it defunct?
another Jino, how long before the Aguda endorses him ?
Lander & Goldman- eilu v’eilu nisraphin be’veis hadeshen.
Lander is a bum.
Hamas Nazi Supporting JINO Scum.
An other guy that can join the Shumer KAPO movement
people please do not attack brad lander a chasuva Yid in boro park works for him as his Jewish community liaison and lobbyist, if brad wins he will likely increase his parnassa please do not say anything that might hinder brad landers victory.