Brad Lander (b. 1969). An American politician who is currently New York City Comptroller and a potential mayoral candidate. As of October 2024, he was leading in fundraising among challengers to the incumbent mayor, having raised $4.5 million including projected matching funds. Lander launched his mayoral campaign in July 2024 and has focused on political consulting and campaign strategy.
Urban planner serving as New York City Comptroller since January 1, 2022. As Comptroller, he oversees the city’s $250 billion pension funds and audits municipal finances, gaining attention for critiques of Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. In 2025, Lander remains a prominent voice in municipal governance, often advocating for climate resilience and social equity policies.
A member of the Democratic Party, he previously represented Brooklyn’s 39th District on the New York City Council from 2010 to 2021, focusing on affordable housing, workers’ rights, and progressive taxation.
On June 17, 2025, Lander was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at 26 Federal Plaza while escorting a migrant, identified as Edgardo, out of an immigration court. Lander, observing hearings to protest ICE detentions, linked arms with Edgardo, whose case was dismissed pending appeal, to prevent his arrest.
ICE accused Lander of assaulting and impeding federal officers, claims he denied, supported by video evidence showing no assault. He was detained for several hours and released without charges after intervention by Governor Kathy Hochul and widespread Democratic support, including from mayoral candidates Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo.
Lander criticized the lack of due process for migrants, vowing to continue advocating for immigrant rights in New York City, a sanctuary city.
Born in Missouri, Lander earned degrees from the University of Chicago and University College London.