One of Congress’s most outspoken critics of President Donald Trump has been sent packing by Democratic voters in New York.
CNN projected Tuesday that former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander defeated incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman in the Democratic primary for New York’s 10th Congressional District, ending the congressman’s first bid for reelection after just one term in office.
The dramatic moment unfolded live on CNN as Lander was being interviewed by anchor Kaitlan Collins when the network officially called the race in his favor.
“We can now project that Brad Lander will defeat the incumbent, Congressman Dan Goldman, in the Democratic primary for New York’s 10th congressional district,” Collins announced.
A visibly surprised Lander responded, “Well, thank you. First of all, obviously I’m thrilled. I did not expect to be on air when the race was called.”
The loss marks a stunning setback for Goldman, whose national profile was built largely on his role as a leading figure in the first impeachment proceedings against Trump. Before arriving in Congress, Goldman served as chief counsel during the House impeachment inquiry centered on Trump’s dealings with Ukraine, becoming a familiar face to millions of Americans during nationally televised hearings.
Since winning his congressional seat in 2022, Goldman remained one of Trump’s most relentless critics on Capitol Hill. He frequently appeared on cable news, pushed for continued investigations related to January 6, and became a prominent voice within the Democratic Party’s anti-Trump wing.
Trump wasted little time celebrating Goldman’s defeat.
In a post on Truth Social, the president wrote, “Weak and pathetic Congressman Dan Goldman just lost, BIG! I guess people didn’t like him illegally targeting President TRUMP. In any event, this jerk is finally GONE!”
For Goldman, the defeat represents a sharp political reversal. Despite his high-profile role in Washington and strong national name recognition among Democrats, voters in his own district ultimately chose a different direction.
The upset also serves as a reminder that national prominence and media attention do not always translate into political security back home.