WNYC’s THE BRIAN LEHRER SHOW
to Host Candidate Forums for US House of Representatives Democratic Primary Elections
to Host Candidate Forums for US House of Representatives Democratic Primary Elections
Candidates from four battleground districts will appear on the program in conversation and take listener questions
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 26, 2026 – WNYC’s The Brian Lehrer Show will host a series of forums with the candidates in four competitive New York Democratic primary elections this spring.
As part of the show’s mission to connect New York’s elected officials and decision-makers with their constituents, these forums will offer candidates the opportunity to share their platforms with the city and offer voters the opportunity to ask questions directly, via call or text.
All conversations will take place during The Brian Lehrer Show’s daily broadcast on WNYC 93.9 FM, AM 820, and at wnyc.org, and will be available to stream online and as a podcast after they air.
In addition to these forums, WNYC and NY1 will co-host a debate with the candidates in the NY-12 Democratic primary race to replace US Representative Jerry Nadler on Tuesday, June 9 at 7pm. Participating candidates will be state assemblymember Alex Bores; lawyer and activist George Conway; state assemblymember Micah Lasher; political commentator Jack Schlossberg; and scientist Nina Schwalbe. The debate will be hosted by NY1’s longtime host Errol Lewis, WNYC’s Brian Lehrer, and WNYC/Gothamist senior politics reporter Brigid Bergin.
There are no Republican primaries in these five districts. The Brian Lehrer Show and WNYC/Gothamist newsroom will have ongoing coverage ahead of the primaries and the general election in November.
FULL SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, May 27: Incumbent Representative Dan Goldman and former city comptroller Brad Lander, candidates for the House of Representatives in NY-10.
Friday, May 29: Cait Conley, Beth Davidson, and Effie Phillips-Staley, candidates for the House of Representatives in NY-17.
Thursday, June 4: Incumbent Representative Adriano Espaillat and Darializa Avila Chevalier, candidates for the House of Representatives in NY-13.
Monday, June 8: Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, state assemblymember Claire Valdez, and City Council member Julie Won, candidates for the House of Representatives in NY-7.
The Brian Lehrer Show is WNYC’s Peabody Award-winning weekday public affairs call-in show. The show features interviews with newsmakers, journalists, and local, state, and national elected officials, allowing New Yorkers to connect directly with their representatives and ask the questions on issues that impact their lives. The Brian Lehrer Show airs weekdays at 10am ET on WNYC 93.9 FM, AM 820 and online at wnyc.org.
ABOUT WNYC
With an urban vibrancy and a global perspective, WNYC is New York’s public radio station, broadcasting and streaming award-winning journalism, groundbreaking audio programming, and essential talk radio to the city and beyond. WNYC offers its listeners a unique range of local, national, and international programming, including programming from NPR, American Public Media, and the BBC World Service, along with a roster of WNYC-produced local programs that champion the stories and spirit of New York City and the surrounding region, including The Brian Lehrer Show and All Of It. From its state-of-the-art studios, WNYC is reshaping audio for a new generation of listeners, producing some of the most beloved nationally-syndicated public radio programs including Radiolab, On the Media, and The New Yorker Radio Hour. WNYC broadcasts on 93.9 FM and AM 820 to listeners in New York and the tri-state area, and is available to audiences everywhere at WNYC.org, the WNYC app, and through major digital radio services, all made possible through the generous support of our members, donors, and sponsors.