Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer got the cold shoulder from the two Democratic candidates running for the House seat in the district he calls home.
During the feisty NY1 debate Monday night, Rep. Dan Goldman and Democratic primary rival Brad Lander were asked if they would support Schumer, 75, a Park Slope constituent, if he runs for re-election in 2028.
“I think it’s time for new leadership in the Democratic Party. That’s why I’m running in this race against Rep. Goldman,” Lander said, throwing Schumer under the bus.
Goldman, who is seeking a third term, hedged.
“I have not thought about it. I have no idea whether he’s going to run or not. We’ll deal with that when the time comes,” Goldman told NY1’s questioners Errol Louis and Courtney Gross.
Both said they would support keeping Brooklyn Rep. Hakeem Jeffries as the House Democratic leader.
“[Jeffries] endorsed me,” Goldman added.
House District 10 includes downtown Manhattan neighborhoods such as the Lower East Side and Chinatown, as well as Brooklyn’s brownstone and waterfront neighborhoods.
Lander, the former city comptroller and councilman backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, repeatedly referred to Goldman as a “corporate Democrat.”
He also criticized his opponent, the Levi Strauss heir, for refusing to endorse Mamdani for mayor last year, even after the democratic socialist won the Democratic primary, and for using his personal wealth to help finance his campaign.
Goldman, who previously served as lead counsel in the first House impeachment of former President Trump and as a federal prosecutor, called Lander a “career politician” who “can’t be trusted.”
Both said they would pursue impeachment charges against Trump again if Democrats regain control of the House of Representatives.
The two Jewish candidates also sparred over Israel and the Middle East during the debate.
Goldman marched in the Israel Day Parade. Lander, who has accused the Israeli government of committing “genocide” in Gaza, did not. He also said he would vote against all US military aid to Israel.
Both said ICE should be abolished because of its controversial detention policies.
The candidates also touted more federal funding for public housing and raising taxes on the wealthy.
During the lightning round questioning, Goldman said he planned on attending a Knicks championship playoff game.
Lander said he would attend a Knicks watch party because the tickets to attend at Madison Square Garden are too expensive.
A recent Pix 11/Emerson College poll showed Lander leading the incumbent congressman by 34 points — 57% to 34%. The Goldman camp, however, disputed the survey’s findings.
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