5 Takeaways From The Goldman-Lander Debate In NY-10

NEW YORK, NY — Rep. Dan Goldman and former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander spent much of their first televised debate challenging each other’s records, priorities and political credibility in a race that has become one of New York Democrats’ most closely watched primaries.

Here are five takeaways from Monday night’s debate:

1. Israel Remains The Biggest Divide Between The Candidates

The sharpest disagreements centered on Israel and the war in Gaza.

Goldman defended marching in New York’s Israel Day Parade and reiterated his support for Israel’s existence as a Jewish state while criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

“I was proud to march in the Israel Day Parade to celebrate the nation and the state of Israel, a Jewish and democratic state that is distinct from its government,” Goldman said.

Lander took a more forceful position, repeatedly accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and criticizing Goldman’s voting record.

“He voted for every U.S. military aid package to Israel,” Lander said. “He won’t recognize it as genocide. He’s never used the word occupation.”

The candidates also clashed over a proposal at Brooklyn’s Park Slope Food Coop to boycott Israeli products.

Goldman argued that voters were more focused on domestic issues.

“Israel is not the most important issue in this district,” he said.

2. Both Candidates Want To Fight ICE, But Differ On How

Immigration enforcement produced another heated exchange.

Lander renewed his call to abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“I do think ICE should be abolished,” he said.

Goldman pointed to his work in Congress, including legislation, lawsuits and oversight efforts involving immigration detention facilities and federal enforcement actions.

“I am the one who is going to do the work and to make a difference,” Goldman said. “You’ll hear Brad talk about putting his body on the line and getting arrested, but all he’s doing with that is fundraising.”

Lander responded by questioning Goldman’s timing.

“I first called for abolishing ICE in 2018,” he said. “Rep. Goldman first called for it a month or two ago. He’s a Danny Come Lately.”

Despite the rhetoric, both candidates supported limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

3. Housing Was The Biggest Policy Issue Outside Of Trump And Immigration

Housing affordability generated one of the debate’s most substantive policy discussions.

Lander pointed to his work on rezonings and affordable housing projects during his years in city government.

“This issue is the biggest one facing folks on the ground,” he said. “Our kids can’t find a place to afford in our community.”

Goldman highlighted federal housing programs he helped expand in Congress.

“Since I’ve been in Congress, I’ve helped to increase affordable housing supply,” he said.

The discussion soon shifted into a dispute over the Brooklyn Marine Terminal redevelopment project, with Goldman accusing Lander of changing positions and Lander rejecting the charge.

“That is a flat-out lie,” Lander said.

4. The Candidates Spent As Much Time Attacking Each Other As Discussing Policy

The debate opened with attacks and rarely let up.

Goldman cast Lander as a career politician.

“This is not a moment for career politicians desperately seeking another job,” Goldman said.

Lander portrayed Goldman as a corporate-backed Democrat.

“Corporate Democrats like Dan Goldman, instead of taking on special interests, take money from them,” he said.

The candidates sparred over corporate PAC donations, crypto industry support, the Democratic Socialists of America, previous policy positions and who had been more consistent over time.

At several points, the debate became a direct argument over trust.

“He will continue to flip-flop, and he cannot be trusted,” Goldman said of Lander.

5. Both Men Framed The Race Around How To Confront Trump

While they differed on tactics, both candidates repeatedly returned to President Donald Trump.

Goldman argued his committee assignments and experience would allow him to lead investigations if Democrats retake the House.

“I’m not only a fighter,” Goldman said. “I’m a fighter who knows how to win.”

Lander argued that elected officials must work alongside activists and protest movements.

“I see elected public service as a partnership between inside and outside,” he said.

Asked whether they would support impeaching Trump again, both candidates said yes.

The Democratic primary is scheduled for June 23.

Are You Apart Of District 10?

New York’s 10th Congressional District spans parts of Lower Manhattan and western Brooklyn, encompassing some of the city’s most densely populated and politically active neighborhoods.

Manhattan

• Battery Park City
• Chinatown
• Civic Center
• East Village
• Financial District
• Greenwich Village
• Hudson Square
• Little Italy
• Lower East Side
• NoHo
• SoHo
• South Street Seaport
• Tribeca
• Two Bridges
• West Village

Brooklyn

• Boerum Hill
• Brooklyn Heights
• Carroll Gardens
• Cobble Hill
• Columbia Street Waterfront District
• DUMBO
• Downtown Brooklyn
• Gowanus
• Park Slope
• Red Hook
• Sunset Park (portion)
• Windsor Terrace (portion)

District Profile

The district includes a diverse coalition of renters, public-housing residents, immigrants, professionals, union households, and one of New York City’s largest Jewish populations, which candidates said accounts for roughly 20 percent of the electorate. Issues dominating the race include housing affordability, immigration enforcement, federal oversight of the Trump administration, and U.S. policy toward Israel and Gaza.