NEW YORK — In what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested battle within the Democratic Party, Brooklyn’s progressive stalwart Brad Lander has announced his plans to challenge incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman for New York's 10th Congressional District. Lander, currently serving as the city comptroller, is expected to officially launch his campaign as early as Wednesday, backed by a surge of progressive support, including a significant endorsement from the recently elected democratic socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani.

Lander's bid for Congress comes at a time of heightened political tension, with progressives seeking to capitalize on the momentum following Mamdani's landslide victory. Sources close to Lander have revealed that he has also reached out to influential progressive Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, signaling a robust alignment with the left wing of the party. Moreover, Lander is in talks for an endorsement from the Working Families Party, further solidifying his progressive credentials.

The comptroller has been a vocal advocate for progressive causes, as evident from his recent involvement in protests against ICE detentions, where he faced charges for his participation. His commitment to civil rights and immigration reform was underscored during a sit-in at 26 Federal Plaza, spotlighting his readiness to "put his body on the line" for what he believes in.

On the other side, Rep. Dan Goldman, a Manhattan Democrat and former lead counsel in President Trump’s first impeachment, has himself been a proponent of several progressive policies, including Medicare for All and the Green New Deal. Despite these alignments, Goldman's defense of Israel and his status as a beneficiary of the Levi Strauss fortune might place him at odds with the more left-leaning constituents and Lander's campaign narrative.

The upcoming primary is expected to not only test the waters of progressive strength within the Democratic Party but also to redefine the political landscape in a district known for its liberal leanings. Both Lander and Goldman have been active in opposing Trump’s immigration policies, often joining forces at demonstrations and legislative actions aimed at protecting migrants.

Adding to the race's complexity, City Council Member Alexa Avilés and former Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou are also eyeing the congressional seat, approaching the Working Families Party for support. This burgeoning interest from multiple progressive candidates underscores the district's critical role as a battleground for the soul of the Democratic Party in New York.

As the race heats up, voters in the 10th District are poised to witness a pivotal showdown that will not only decide their representative but also shape the future direction of progressive politics in the region. With Lander's official campaign announcement imminent, all eyes are on how this political saga will unfold in the heart of New York City.