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Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who hails from Park Slope, found himself sidelined by the two Democratic candidates vying for the House seat in his district.
During a spirited debate hosted by NY1 on Monday evening, Rep. Dan Goldman and his Democratic primary competitor, Brad Lander, were questioned about their support for Schumer if he decides to seek re-election in 2028.
Lander, eager to distinguish himself, did not hold back in his response. “I believe it’s time for fresh leadership within the Democratic Party. That’s precisely why I’m challenging Rep. Goldman in this race,” he remarked, casting doubt on Schumer’s future.
Goldman, on the other hand, who is campaigning for a third term, chose a more cautious approach. “I haven’t considered it yet. I have no idea if he plans to run. We’ll address that when the time comes,” Goldman replied to NY1 moderators Errol Louis and Courtney Gross.
“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,” Goldman told NY1’s questioners Errol Louis and Courtney Gross.
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.