In the June 23 Democratic primary for New York’s 10th Congressional District, incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman and challenger Brad Lander are debating federal policies for urban transit, housing, and street safety. The election follows the announced retirements of Representatives Jerry Nadler and Nydia Velazquez, leaving a vacancy in the seat covering downtown Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn.
How will candidates address transit and housing?
Rep. Dan Goldman said he intends to build a coalition of urban members to secure investment for NYCHA, transit, and coastal resilience. He highlighted his work on housing supply, including agreements for the Brooklyn Marine Terminal and 5 World Trade Center.
Brad Lander argued that New York receives only 15 percent of federal transit funding despite moving nearly 50 percent of American transit riders. He proposed a “fix it first” scoring system to prioritize repairing existing infrastructure over building new highway sprawl.
What are the proposed solutions for street safety?
Goldman stated that improving speed limits and street design are vital to reducing car crashes. He said he will support federal funding for streetscape upgrades at dangerous intersections and advocate for the MTA Zero-Emission Electric Bus Program.
Lander said the current urban environment is designed to cater to cars rather than people. He intends to push federal agencies to evaluate projects based on their ability to reduce vehicle miles traveled to improve quality of life and environmental protection.
How do the candidates differ on political leadership?
Lander criticized Goldman for failing to lead on congestion pricing and noted that Goldman has not received endorsements from his colleagues in the NYC delegation. Lander also noted that Goldman did not endorse Zohran Mamdani for Mayor following the Democratic primary win.
Goldman said Congress is structurally tilted toward suburban and rural interests because many members do not ride the subway or rely on public housing. He said the goal is to make the economic case for urban investments to appeal to members from other areas.
The outcome of the June 23 primary could determine whether the district’s next representative focuses on localized infrastructure agreements or broader shifts in federal transportation policy. Early voting for the election begins on June 13.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 10th Congressional District primary?
The Democratic primary is scheduled for June 23.
Who are the candidates running for the seat?
The candidates are incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman and challenger Brad Lander.
Which areas are included in the 10th Congressional District?
The district covers downtown Manhattan and a portion of Brooklyn.
How should federal transit funding be balanced between urban and rural districts?
