MoveOn is Proud to Endorse Brad Lander for NYC Mayor at the #2 Rank Position!
Meet Brad Lander
Brad Lander is New York City’s Comptroller and a longtime advocate for fairness, transparency, and public accountability. He’s spent his career fighting to make the city work for everyone, not just the wealthy or well-connected. As a trained urban planner and former City Council Member from Brooklyn, Brad has built affordable housing, expanded worker protections, and demanded better from city government. Now, he’s running for Mayor to lead New York with values, vision, and practical solutions that serve everyday people.
Legislative and Policy Accomplishments
Brad Lander has a clear record of turning bold ideas into action. As Comptroller, he launched tools that track city spending, demanded fairness audits in public agencies, and uncovered corruption in asylum-seeker contracts. His team helped recover over $80 million in stolen city funds.
Earlier, during his twelve years on the City Council, Brad passed some of the most important worker protection laws in recent memory. He expanded paid sick leave, secured new rights for freelancers, banned unfair employer credit checks, and protected tenants from harassment. He also led the Gowanus rezoning plan, which added affordable housing while fighting against displacement.
Brad doesn’t just write policy—he works directly with communities. He helped win air conditioning in classrooms and supported fast food and gig workers facing wrongful firings. In every position, Brad has pushed for honest, effective government that listens to the people it serves.
Background
Brad grew up in St. Louis and came to New York to help build a more just and livable city. He earned degrees from the University of Chicago, University College London, and Pratt Institute. Before taking public office, he led the Fifth Avenue Committee and the Pratt Center for Community Development. In those roles, he worked with tenants, small business owners, and neighbors to build and preserve affordable homes.
He also helped launch participatory budgeting in New York, giving residents more control over how city funds are spent. As a City Council Member, he co-founded the Progressive Caucus and became known for advancing bold policies grounded in community input. Brad lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Meg Barnette, and their two children. His leadership combines deep experience, practical skills, and a long-standing belief that government should serve the public good.
Brad Lander’s Run for NYC Mayor
Brad is running for Mayor to fix what’s broken and protect what matters. His campaign focuses on making housing more affordable, expanding mental health care, and making city services work better for all. He supports a rent freeze on stabilized apartments, free universal childcare, and building more deeply affordable housing. He also believes in a “Housing First” model to end street homelessness with care, not criminalization.
Brad’s campaign isn’t just about ideas—it’s about action. He’s been endorsed by grassroots groups, labor unions, and fellow progressives who trust his ability to lead with both compassion and results. In June 2025, he and Zohran Mamdani cross-endorsed each other, forming a united front for bold, people-first leadership.
Brad was recently arrested by ICE agents while supporting an immigrant facing deportation in court. The arrest drew national attention and highlighted his willingness to stand up for justice—even when it carries risk. It also sparked strong support from across the political spectrum, including Governor Hochul and other state leaders.
Brad Lander believes New York can be a city where everyone has a fair shot. With courage, transparency, and care, he’s ready to lead it there.