A growing internal struggle inside the Democratic Party is spilling into New York politics — and it’s exposing deep divisions between establishment leaders and the far-left wing long associated with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
At the center of the dispute is House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who has publicly thrown his support behind Rep. Dan Goldman as the New York Democrat faces a heated primary challenge from progressive activists.
The endorsement is widely viewed as a clear signal that Democratic leadership is moving to rein in its most radical elements — and quietly diminishing the influence of Ocasio-Cortez and her allies.
🔹 A Party Divided
Goldman, a two-term congressman representing New York’s 10th Congressional District, has come under fire from the left largely because of his support for Israel — a position that has become increasingly controversial within Democratic primaries following the war in Gaza.
Speaking to reporters this week, Goldman reaffirmed his position.
“I strongly support the state of Israel and its right to exist as a Jewish state,” he said, while also noting that he has criticized Israel’s current government and supports a two-state solution.
That stance has put Goldman at odds with progressive activists who now dominate many local Democratic organizations.
🔹 Establishment Democrats Close Ranks
Jeffries, joined by House Democratic leaders Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar, praised Goldman’s experience and pointed to his role as House counsel during President Trump’s first impeachment.
In a joint statement, party leaders argued that Goldman’s legal background and investigative experience make him a critical figure for Democrats heading into the next Congress.
Supporters say the endorsement reflects a broader effort by party leadership to emphasize experience, discipline, and electability over ideological activism.
🔹 The Progressive Counterattack
Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a prominent ally of Ocasio-Cortez, has endorsed former city comptroller Brad Lander in the primary.
Mamdani framed the race as a choice between establishment politics and progressive reform, arguing that voters want representatives who will challenge Washington power structures.
However, Jeffries notably offered only a lukewarm endorsement of Mamdani during his own mayoral run — a sign of lingering skepticism among Democratic leadership.
🔹 Hochul Enters the Fight
Shortly after Jeffries announced his support for Goldman, New York Governor Kathy Hochul also endorsed the incumbent.
Hochul praised Goldman as an experienced lawmaker capable of standing up to federal overreach and defending New York’s interests in Washington.
“New Yorkers need leaders who understand how to fight abuse of power and protect families,” Hochul said in a statement announcing her endorsement.
🔹 Personal Attacks Escalate
The Lander campaign responded with sharp criticism, highlighting Goldman’s personal wealth and even referencing past social interactions with members of the Trump family — a move Goldman dismissed as a distraction.
“If that’s what my opponent wants to run on, I think voters deserve something more serious,” Goldman said, emphasizing his record in Congress and his opposition to President Trump during his first term.
🔹 Why This Matters
As Democratic leaders intervene more aggressively in primaries, the message is becoming increasingly clear: the party’s establishment is no longer willing to let its far-left wing dictate direction.
For voters watching from the outside, the New York race offers a revealing look at a party struggling to balance ideology, internal loyalty, and electoral reality — with Ocasio-Cortez’s influence no longer guaranteed.