Zohran Mamdani names all-female transition team as he readies to become New York’s first Muslim mayor
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani unveiled an all-female transition team on Wednesday, as he prepares to take office on January 1, 2026, marking a historic new chapter for the city.
“In the coming months, I and my team will build a City Hall capable of delivering on the promises of this campaign,” Mamdani said at a press conference in Queens, according to The Guardian.
“We will form an administration that is equal parts capable and compassionate, driven by integrity and willing to work just as hard as the millions of New Yorkers who call this city home,” he said.
The 34-year-old Democratic socialist will make history as New York’s first Muslim mayor, first of South Asian heritage, first born in Africa, and the youngest in more than a century.
“We owe it to this city to be ready on January 1 to start delivering,” Mamdani said. “We have 57 days- and those are 57 days to start the work of preparing.”
Mamdani appointed political consultant Elana Leopold as the executive director of his transition team.
The co-chairs include- Maria Torres-Springer, former first deputy mayor; Lina Khan, ex-chair of the Federal Trade Commission; Grace Bonilla, CEO of United Way of New York City; and Melanie Hartzog, former deputy mayor for health and human services.
Khan rose to national prominence for her aggressive anti-trust actions under former U.S. President Joe Biden.
“Some of these people will have familiar names, others will not,” Mamdani said. “But they will be united by their commitment to solving old problems with new solutions.”
The mayor-elect reiterated his ambitious platform, which includes a citywide rent freeze, free bus service, universal childcare, and city-run grocery stores funded through taxes on corporations and the wealthy.
Mamdani also invited public donations to support the transition process, saying he wanted it funded by “the very people who brought us to this point — the working people who have been left behind by the politics of the city,” CNN reported.
Asked about potential discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, Mamdani said he was open to dialogue.
“I look forward to having those conversations and to making clear that if there is ever anything to be spoken about that could benefit the people of the city, I am ready and willing to speak to anyone about it,” he said.
Concluding his address, Mamdani called the upcoming inauguration a symbolic fresh start for New York.
“On January 1, when our city celebrates the inauguration of a new administration, let us also celebrate a new era for our city,” he said.
Mamdani, whose campaign was largely occupied by freebie promises, defeated former city Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was endorsed by President Trump.
At 34, Mamdani is poised to become the youngest Mayor of the most populous city of the country.
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
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