Mamdani Forms All-Female Transition Team as He Prepares to Take Office as New York's First Muslim Mayor
Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City, announced an all-female transition team on Wednesday, marking a significant move towards building his administration. Led by Elana Leopold as executive director, the team also includes Maria Torres-Springer, Lina Khan, Grace Bonilla, and Melanie Hartzog.
Mamdani vowed to deliver on his campaign promises, which include a rent freeze for stabilized apartments, free bus service, universal childcare, and city-run grocery stores. The policies are expected to be funded by increased taxes on corporations and the wealthy.
The selection of Lina Khan, former federal trade commission chair, signals Mamdani's intention to bring bold reformers into his administration. Khan is admired by both progressives and populist Republicans for her aggressive antitrust enforcement under Joe Biden.
Mamdani expressed confidence in delivering his campaign promises, despite facing significant challenges ahead, including navigating city hall bureaucracy and working under a hostile Trump administration. He acknowledged the hostility towards him but remains committed to uniting New Yorkers across political divides.
The mayor-elect has campaigned on an unapologetically progressive platform, which broke fundraising records with an average contribution of approximately $80 from small donors. His victory also came on a night of scorching wins for Democrats nationally.
Mamdani's administration is expected to begin announcing deputy mayors and agency commissioners in the coming days. The team will be united by their commitment to solving old problems with new solutions, according to Mamdani.
The New York City budget includes approximately $7.4bn in federal funding, accounting for 6.4% of total spending. However, President Donald Trump has threatened to withhold federal funds from the city if Mamdani takes office.
Mamdani's election marks a significant milestone for the city, as he becomes its first Muslim mayor, the first of South Asian heritage, and the youngest in over a century.
Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City, announced an all-female transition team on Wednesday, marking a significant move towards building his administration. Led by Elana Leopold as executive director, the team also includes Maria Torres-Springer, Lina Khan, Grace Bonilla, and Melanie Hartzog.
Mamdani vowed to deliver on his campaign promises, which include a rent freeze for stabilized apartments, free bus service, universal childcare, and city-run grocery stores. The policies are expected to be funded by increased taxes on corporations and the wealthy.
The selection of Lina Khan, former federal trade commission chair, signals Mamdani's intention to bring bold reformers into his administration. Khan is admired by both progressives and populist Republicans for her aggressive antitrust enforcement under Joe Biden.
Mamdani expressed confidence in delivering his campaign promises, despite facing significant challenges ahead, including navigating city hall bureaucracy and working under a hostile Trump administration. He acknowledged the hostility towards him but remains committed to uniting New Yorkers across political divides.
The mayor-elect has campaigned on an unapologetically progressive platform, which broke fundraising records with an average contribution of approximately $80 from small donors. His victory also came on a night of scorching wins for Democrats nationally.
Mamdani's administration is expected to begin announcing deputy mayors and agency commissioners in the coming days. The team will be united by their commitment to solving old problems with new solutions, according to Mamdani.
The New York City budget includes approximately $7.4bn in federal funding, accounting for 6.4% of total spending. However, President Donald Trump has threatened to withhold federal funds from the city if Mamdani takes office.
Mamdani's election marks a significant milestone for the city, as he becomes its first Muslim mayor, the first of South Asian heritage, and the youngest in over a century.