Zohran Mamdani unveils all-female transition team ahead of historic NYC mayoralty

Zohran Mamdani, the incoming mayor of New York City, unveiled his transition team on 6 November, setting the tone for what he has described as the most transformative policy agenda in a generation.

The 34-year-old democratic socialist, who will assume office on 1 January, introduced an all-female transition leadership team at a press conference in Queens. Elana Leopold will serve as executive director.

Joining Leopold are co-chairs Maria Torres-Springer, the city’s former first deputy mayor; Lina Khan, who previously chaired the Federal Trade Commission; Grace Bonilla, president and CEO of United Way of New York City; and Melanie Hartzog, the former deputy mayor for health and human services.

Mamdani pledged to build a city hall “capable of delivering on the promises of this campaign,” stating the transition team would reflect the integrity and work ethic of New Yorkers.

He added, “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.”

The inclusion of Khan, known for her aggressive antitrust approach at the FTC during Joe Biden’s presidency, reflects Mamdani’s alignment with progressive economic reforms. According to observers, her appointment signals an intent to bring reform-minded figures into city governance.

In his first television appearance after defeating Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, Mamdani stressed the urgency of preparation, saying, “We owe it to this city to be ready on 1 January to start delivering.”

Mamdani’s election marks several firsts: he will become New York City’s first Muslim mayor, its first of South Asian heritage, the first born on the African continent, and its youngest in over a century.

However, the mayor-elect faces significant political headwinds. President Donald Trump, who frequently refers to Mamdani as a “communist,” threatened to restrict federal funding if Mamdani were elected. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that New York would receive only “the very minimum” in federal support under Mamdani’s leadership.

Federal funding comprises approximately US$7.4 billion of New York’s 2026 budget, making up 6.4% of its total expenditure, according to the New York State Comptroller’s 2025 report.

On election day, Trump escalated his criticism, accusing Mamdani of antisemitism—an allegation the mayor-elect has repeatedly rejected. The campaign period saw a surge in Islamophobic rhetoric from across the political spectrum.

A report from the Center for the Study of Organized Hate documented a 450% increase in Islamophobic posts targeting Mamdani from September to October, with nearly 36,000 posts receiving 7.37 million likes. Many posts falsely linked Mamdani to terrorism.

Republican congressmen Randy Fine and Andy Ogles called for his denaturalisation, citing national security concerns. Former governor Andrew Cuomo also faced backlash for agreeing with inflammatory comments linking Mamdani to terrorism.

Despite these attacks, Mamdani remains focused on implementing an ambitious agenda. His platform includes a rent freeze for stabilised apartments, free bus services, universal childcare, and city-run grocery stores—funded by increased taxation on corporations and wealthy individuals.

His campaign raised more than US$20 million, with an average donation of about US$80, indicating widespread grassroots support.

Speaking on Wednesday, Mamdani encouraged supporters to resume donations to support a “transition that can meet the moment,” adding that the process would require staffing, infrastructure and research.

“The transition will be 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,” he said.

Mamdani also said he would be open to discussions with President Trump, stating, “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 reiterated a message of unity, pledging to work across political lines to address issues like cost of living.

The administration plans to announce key deputy mayors and commissioners in the coming days. Mamdani said some appointments will be familiar names, while others will be new figures committed to innovative policymaking.

“On 1 January, when our city celebrates the inauguration of a new administration,” Mamdani concluded, “let us also celebrate a new era for our city—one that we all feel invested in and whose success we all work to achieve.”