Democrat · New York's 10th District · 2026
Brad Lander
Lander grew up near St. Louis and worked summers at a Jewish camp, playing acoustic guitar for campers.
Biography
Brad Lander grew up in a Reform Jewish community outside St. Louis and worked at a summer camp, where he played guitar and sang with campers.1 He moved to New York in 1992.1 He and his wife, Meg Barnette, raised two children in Brooklyn; his campaign biography also lists boxing, running and New York Liberty games among his interests.2
Before elected office, Lander led the Fifth Avenue Committee and the Pratt Center for Community Development, working on affordable housing, tenant protection and job training.2 He won a City Council seat in 2009.1 His council record includes helping create protections against unpaid freelance work and unpredictable schedules for fast food and retail workers.2
Lander later served as New York City comptroller, working on government audits, pension investments and enforcement of prevailing wage requirements.2 He ran for mayor in 2025, with a platform emphasizing housing, childcare and help for people living on the street with serious mental illness.2
He is the 10th District's Democratic candidate.3 His congressional campaign emphasizes an affordable city and opposition to President Trump's immigration and domestic policies.2 He promises to defend immigrants, transgender children, healthcare and Social Security, while challenging the influence of billionaires and large corporations over economic policy.2