New England Gazzette

Brooklyn, NY, January 6, 2026 -In a Democratic primary that could help define the future direction of the party locally and nationally, support for Israel and related foreign policy questions have emerged as central dividing lines — energizing grassroots movements, sharpening candidate contrasts, and reshaping traditional political alliances across Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman, a centrist Democrat representing New York’s 10th Congressional District, formally launched his reelection campaign this week amid deepening challenges from within his own party. Goldman’s strong pro-Israel positions and acceptance of support from influential pro-Israel groups, including campaign contributions tied to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), have drawn ire from a contingent of progressive voters.

Among the most vocal critics is a grassroots coalition informally known as “Dump Dan.” Volunteers behind the Dump Dan movement argue that Goldman’s refusal to more robustly support Palestinian rights and his alignment with pro-Israel lobbying interests — particularly at a moment of ongoing conflict in Gaza — undermine the priorities of many younger and progressive Democrats in the district. Signs and social-media posts from the group emphasize opposition to Goldman’s stances on foreign policy and campaign financing, with activists demanding a representative more attuned to peace and human-rights concerns. (Local activist interviews and group flyers obtained by the newsroom)

The anti-Goldman energy has catalyzed a fierce primary challenge from Brad Lander, the outgoing New York City comptroller. Lander, a progressive Democrat with deep roots in local politics, announced his congressional bid last month with endorsements from prominent progressives and party figures eager to push the district leftward on issues ranging from economic justice to foreign policy reform.

But Lander’s own record has not been immune to scrutiny. In a recent interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan on the Zeteo platform, Lander was pressed directly about his track record on pension investments, specifically his refusal to divest New York City’s public pension funds from Elbit Systems — an Israeli defense contractor and one of the largest suppliers to the Israel Defense Forces. In the wide-ranging conversation, Hasan challenged Lander on why, despite his critiques of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and commitments to human-rights-oriented policy, he had not moved to strip city investments in the arms manufacturer — even though there have been increases in Elbit holdings under his watch. According to Zeteo’s summary of the interview, Hasan questioned Lander about this divergence, noting it came after Lander had divested some sovereign Israel bonds but stopped short of a broader divestment from companies tied to the conflict. (Zeteo)

Lander responded by defending his fiduciary role as comptroller and differentiating between sovereign debt decisions and the broader mix of equities — while asserting his opposition to what he describes as Israel’s actions in Gaza. The exchange illustrated the complexity facing progressive candidates trying to balance financial stewardship of city assets with activist demands for ethical investment policies. (Zeteo) (Full interview details available via Zeteo)

This tension has given fodder to opponents on both sides. Some progressives fault Lander for not going farther on divestment; others see his nuanced stance as evidence of a pragmatic approach to governance that still departs from Goldman’s centrist alignment.

Goldman, meanwhile, has leaned into his established record of strong U.S.–Israel ties and support from mainstream Democratic leaders. New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently endorsed Goldman, framing him as a experienced and necessary voice in Congress at a time of global uncertainty — a boost that has helped solidify his appeal among moderate Democrats and Jewish voters wary of more sweeping foreign-policy shifts.

Also in the mix is Nickie Kane, a Brooklyn community activist and organizer whose campaign emphasizes grassroots priorities and equity at the local level. While Kane has not yet drawn the same level of media attention as her competitors, her presence underscores the ideological diversity and crowded field emerging in the race. (Campaign materials: nickiekane.com)

As the June Democratic primary approaches, the contest in NY-10 is rapidly evolving into a referendum not only on individual personalities, but on how Democrats approach U.S. foreign policy, investment ethics, and grassroots power. With groups like Dump Dan mobilizing voters and high–profile interview moments shedding light on candidate records, this election could have implications that stretch far beyond New York’s borders.