Zohran Mamdani Announces All Female Transition Team As He Prepares For New York Mayoralty

Zohran Mamdani’s incoming administration began taking shape Wednesday as New York City’s mayor-elect unveiled his transition team, pledging to deliver what he called “the most ambitious policy agenda in a generation.” Mamdani, 34, a democratic socialist, announced an all-women transition team led by Elana Leopold, with co-chairs Maria Torres-Springer, former first deputy mayor; Lina Khan, ex-chair of the Federal Trade Commission; Grace Bonilla, CEO of United Way; and Melanie Hartzog, former deputy mayor for health and human services.

“In the coming months, my team and I will build a City Hall capable of delivering on our promises,” Mamdani said, emphasizing an administration “both capable and compassionate.” His selection of Khan—known for her aggressive antitrust work—signals his intent to surround himself with reform-minded leaders as he prepares to govern the nation’s largest city.

Mamdani, who defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, will be the city’s first Muslim mayor, the first of South Asian descent, the first born in Africa, and the youngest in more than a century.

Yet he faces steep challenges, including potential hostility from Donald Trump, who has threatened to cut federal funding to New York City under Mamdani’s leadership. Federal funds make up about 6.4% of the city’s $115 billion budget.

Mamdani’s campaign weathered a storm of Islamophobic attacks from both parties and conservative media. Reports showed a 450% surge in hate posts targeting him online, much of it falsely associating him with extremism.

Despite the vitriol, Mamdani remained focused on his progressive agenda: rent freezes, free bus service, universal childcare, and city-run grocery stores funded by higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy. His campaign raised over $20 million from small donors, averaging $80 each—a record-breaking grassroots effort.

“On January 1,” Mamdani said, “we won’t just begin a new administration—we’ll begin a new era for New York, one defined by fairness, integrity, and shared purpose.”

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