New York City Comptroller Brad Lander has launched a congressional campaign, challenging  Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) in the Democratic primary. 

The candidate currently holds the position of New York City’s chief fiscal officer, and has received endorsements from Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

“Our mayor can have an ally in Washington instead of an adversary in his own backyard,” Lander said in his campaign video. 

“I’m running for Congress because the challenges we face can’t be solved with strongly worded letters or high-dollar fundraisers, and not by doing AIPAC’s bidding,” he added, referring to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

AIPAC has contributed heavily to Goldman’s campaign. Allegations of partiality toward Israel have been raised in some recent campaigns, particularly following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas and Israel’s ensuing retaliation in the Gaza Strip.

Lander also alluded to Goldman’s position as an heir to the Levi Strauss denim fortune, saying, “While the oligarchy drives the affordability crisis, they shouldn’t be able to buy a seat in Congress.”

Mamdani’s endorsement of Lander is one of his first high-profile political moves since becoming mayor-elect slightly more than a month ago.

The partnership between the pair has been strong, as Lander and Mamdani endorsed one another during the recent mayoral primary in an attempt to gain traction in the city’s ranked-choice voting system.

The pair were both up against former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who at the time was in the lead.

That alignment seemed to bolster both candidates, as Mamdani’s support helped Lander with the progressive voters, and Lander’s support, as a high-profile Jewish candidate, assisted Mamdani with what was eventually a big win.

Mamdani on Dec. 10 offered a statement in support of Lander in his bid for federal office, saying: “Brad’s unwavering principles, deep knowledge, and sincere empathy are what make him a true leader.

“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.”

The Big Apple’s next mayor declined to endorse another candidate who was exploring a run against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).

Lander was also previously a city council member and has been a vocal critic of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in the city. He was arrested by ICE during one confrontation and was separately arrested at an immigration court.

The city comptroller currently faces misdemeanor charges that include obstruction of federal operations arising from one of those arrests.

Lander will end his term as city comptroller on Dec. 31 of this year.

The Epoch Times reached out to Goldman’s office for comment but did not hear back by publication time.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.