Brad Lander, the outgoing comptroller of New York City, announced Wednesday that he is running for Congress, challenging U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman in a Democratic primary for a liberal district in lower Manhattan and northwest Brooklyn. Lander, a progressive ally of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, launched his campaign in a video and social media posts, promising to offer 'courageous leadership in the face of Donald Trump’s attacks on New Yorkers.' He said, 'At a moment of dark oppression, we can shine by fighting back together.' Evoking the late children’s TV host Fred Rogers, Lander sang, 'Would you be mine? Could you be mine? Won’t you be my neighbor?' expressing his vision of democracy as neighbors working together for common good. Lander has been eyeing a challenge to Goldman since he lost the Democratic mayoral primary to Mamdani this past summer. Mamdani endorsed Lander, praising his principles and empathy. Both Lander and Goldman have critiqued the federal government's deportation agenda and have participated in immigration court observations. Lander has faced legal challenges stemming from his activism, including two arrests and a misdemeanor charge. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders also endorsed Lander, highlighting his commitment to working people. As Lander prepares for this significant challenge against the well-established Goldman, whose moderate policies include support for taxing the wealthy and climate change measures, he aims to unify the progressive base within the district.