NY Dem wouldn’t back Mamdani for mayor — now Mamdani is backing his challenger

By Fox News · Fox News

Upon launching his campaign Wednesday morning, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander secured an early endorsement from Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in his congressional challenge against Rep. Dan Goldman. Lander is jumping into the race for New York’s 10th Congressional District after Goldman did not endorse Mamdani’s mayoral campaign earlier this year. Lander played a pivotal role in Mamdani’s Democratic primary upset in June, as the two candidates used ranked-choice voting to cross-endorse each other and consolidate support against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo . "Brad’s unwavering principles, deep knowledge, and sincere empathy are what make him a true leader," Mamdani shared in a statement with Fox News Digital. "He has been a trusted ally and partner of mine and I’m proud to support him as I know he’ll continue delivering for those who need government to show up for them the most." In his Mr. Rogers-style campaign launch video , Lander took a few swipes at Goldman for accepting money from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and criticizing the "oligarchy" who "shouldn't be able to buy a seat in Congress," as Goldman is an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune. His campaign pushed back in a statement to Fox News Digital. MAMDANI DISCOURAGES HAKEEM JEFFRIES PRIMARY CHALLENGER, TELLS CITY COUNCIL MEMBER TO 'FOCUS' ON NYC "Dan is focused on stopping the Trump administration from what they're doing to immigrant families in his district right now. He’s proud of his progressive record in Congress and will deal with Brad and other challengers in the new year," Goldman campaign spokesperson Maddy Rose said. 'FULL-BLOWN BATTLE' BREWING IN DEM PARTY AS MAMDANI-STYLE CANDIDATES RISE IN KEY RACES Goldman did not endorse Mamdani's mayoral campaign over concerns that he wouldn't do enough to protect Jewish New Yorkers, as he told CBS News New York’s Marcia Kramer. While Democrats have struggled to land on a cohesive message and identify a clear party leader since losing up and…