Brad Lander, a prominent figure in the New York City mayoral race, recently garnered support from Rep. Greg Casar, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. This endorsement holds substantial weight as Lander positions himself at the forefront of left-leaning Democrats aiming to challenge former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams.
Building Momentum
Rep. Greg Casar, known for his rising influence in Washington, shares Lander’s belief in empowering cities to lead the charge against the policies of President Donald Trump, particularly in a city like New York where Trump faces significant opposition.
The endorsement from Casar, despite the geographical distance between them, is expected to resonate strongly with progressive figures in New York City such as Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Adriano Espaillat, and Nydia Velázquez, who have yet to declare their support in the mayoral race.
A Decade-Long Connection
The bond between Casar and Lander traces back a decade to their initial meeting when Casar served on the Austin City Council and Lander represented New York City in a council capacity. Today, Lander holds the position of city comptroller, highlighting his experience and commitment to public service.
In a statement to POLITICO, Casar emphasized the need for a change in leadership, pointing out perceived failures under Mayor Adams and the potential for Lander to restore pride and confidence among Democrats and progressive-leaning individuals during challenging times.
Strategic Endorsements
Casar’s endorsement adds to Lander’s growing support, following a previous backing from the progressive group, Indivisible Brooklyn. While Lander has been associated with left-leaning policies in the past, he is now working to appeal to a broader audience by showcasing a shift in his approach, particularly on issues related to public safety and antisemitism.
Notably, Lander has refrained from publicly criticizing fellow Democrat Chuck Schumer for his recent actions, focusing instead on his responsibilities as city comptroller and his aspirations in the mayoral race.
Upcoming Collaborations
As part of the endorsement, Casar plans to support Lander through various initiatives, including an Instagram Live event with a fundraising component and a dedicated email campaign. Meanwhile, Lander is gearing up for a series of town hall meetings in New York City to engage with residents and address their concerns, a strategy aimed at setting him apart from Mayor Adams.
Amidst political dynamics and conflicting endorsements within the Democratic Party, Lander, Casar, and other progressive figures like Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders are advocating for a populist message that resonates with the public, distancing themselves from the traditional Democratic establishment.
Focusing on Progress
Lander’s campaign in New York City seeks to redefine progressivism by aligning it with economic prosperity and the interests of working families. By emphasizing the need for Democrats to champion the needs of ordinary citizens, Lander aims to build a movement that prioritizes inclusivity and progress.
