Dan Goldman

Daniel Sachs Goldman is an American politician and attorney currently serving as the U.S. Representative for New York's 10th congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, he began his tenure in the House of Representatives in 2023. Prior to his election to Congress, Goldman gained prominence as a legal expert, particularly for his role as lead counsel during the impeachment inquiry of former President Donald Trump in 2019. His background combines extensive legal experience with a commitment to public service, which has shaped his political career.

Early life and career

Goldman was born on February 26, 1976, in Washington, D.C. He is the son of Susan Sachs and Richard W. Goldman, the latter of whom served as a federal prosecutor until his untimely death during Goldman's childhood. His family has notable connections to the Levi Strauss & Co. fortune, with his paternal grandparents being Rhoda Haas Goldman and Richard Goldman, and his great-grandfather, Walter A. Haas, having served as president of the company. Goldman also has a familial connection to the Smart & Final grocery chain through his great-great-grandfather, Abraham Haas.

Growing up in a Conservative Jewish household, Goldman has a sister named Alice and a younger brother, Bill, who tragically passed away in a plane crash at the age of 38. He attended Sidwell Friends School, where his mother had previously held the position of chair of the board. Goldman pursued higher education at Yale University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1998. He later attended Stanford Law School, where he graduated with a Juris Doctor degree with distinction in 2005. Before entering law school, he worked as a researcher and writer for NBC Sports.

Goldman's early legal career included clerking for judges Charles Breyer of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and Robert D. Sack of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. From 2007 to 2017, he served as an assistant United States attorney in the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted a range of cases, including those involving organized crime and white-collar offenses. Notably, he was involved in high-profile cases, such as the prosecution of members of the Genovese crime family and insider trading cases, including that of sports bettor Billy Walters.

Following his tenure as a federal prosecutor, Goldman transitioned to a role as a legal analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, where he provided insights on various legal matters. He also served as a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice in New York. In February 2019, he was appointed as Senior Advisor and Director of Investigations for the House Intelligence Committee, where he played a pivotal role in the impeachment inquiry against Donald Trump. His responsibilities included questioning witnesses during public hearings and providing testimony to the House Judiciary Committee.

In November 2021, Goldman announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for New York Attorney General in the 2022 election. However, when incumbent Letitia James opted to run for reelection, Goldman withdrew from the race and endorsed her campaign.

House tenure

Goldman officially entered the race for the U.S. House of Representatives on June 1, 2022, seeking to represent New York's 10th congressional district. The Democratic primary was competitive, featuring several candidates, including Councilwoman Carlina Rivera and Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou, as well as incumbent congressman Mondaire Jones and former congresswoman Elizabeth Holtzman. Initial polling indicated that Goldman was trailing behind some of his opponents, but subsequent internal polling showed him gaining traction.

Goldman's campaign received endorsements from various political figures and organizations, including New York state assemblymember Robert Carroll and former U.S. representative Steve Israel. He also garnered significant financial support, raising over $1.2 million shortly after announcing his candidacy. Despite facing accusations from rivals regarding his substantial self-funding, Goldman managed to secure the Democratic nomination with approximately 25.8% of the primary vote.

In the general election, Goldman faced Republican nominee Benine Hamdan and won decisively, receiving approximately 83.9% of the vote. His victory marked the beginning of his congressional career, which commenced with the start of the 118th Congress in January 2023. Goldman’s current term is set to conclude on January 3, 2027.

Legislative focus and committees

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Goldman has engaged in various legislative activities, reflecting his legal expertise and commitment to public service. His background as a federal prosecutor and legal analyst informs his approach to issues related to justice, law enforcement, and government accountability. While specific details regarding his legislative initiatives and committee assignments are not provided, it is common for newly elected representatives to focus on issues pertinent to their constituents and to serve on committees that align with their expertise and interests.

Goldman's experience in high-stakes legal environments, particularly his involvement in the impeachment process, suggests that he may prioritize oversight and accountability in his legislative work. His role in the House Intelligence Committee and his background in prosecuting complex cases may also influence his focus on national security, civil rights, and legal reforms.

As he continues his tenure in Congress, Goldman is expected to navigate the challenges and responsibilities that come with representing a diverse constituency in New York's 10th district, while also contributing to broader discussions on national policy and governance. His ongoing engagement in legislative matters will likely reflect his commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of his constituents, as well as his dedication to upholding the rule of law and democratic principles.