New York, Nov 6: Newly elected Mayor Zohair Mamdani expressed excitement at becoming the first immigrant in generations to lead New York City, emphasizing that delivering on his campaign promise of affordability would be his top priority.
At his first news conference as mayor elect, Mamdani announced that Pakistani-American Lina Khan, former head of the Federal Trade Commission, will serve as co-chair of his transition team. The team will vet candidates for key city positions and prepare him to take over the administration of the city, home to 8.5 million residents.
Speaking in front of the Unisphere, a symbolic globe in Queens, Mamdani highlighted the city’s diversity: “We are proud to be known as the world’s borough… I am excited more, frankly, to deliver on an agenda of affordability.”
Mamdani also signaled continuity in law enforcement by expressing his desire to retain Jessica Tisch as police commissioner, a move aimed at addressing concerns about crime and public safety amid earlier controversies over his statements regarding police and Israel.
His central campaign promise focused on making New York City more affordable through measures such as rent freezes, increased housing availability, free city buses, city-owned shops, and universal childcare, funded by higher taxes on the wealthy.
“When we enter City Hall in 58 days, expectations will be high, and we will meet them,” Mamdani said. Yet he acknowledged the challenges of governing a city with a $116 billion budget and 300,000 employees, many of which require state approval or funding.
The mayor-elect also addressed potential friction with the federal government. Former President Donald Trump, who has criticized Mamdani as a communist and threatened to cut city funding, was mentioned as a potential partner: “I would like to meet with Trump to see how we could work together for the city,” Mamdani said.
Mamdani’s stance on immigration enforcement also signals potential clashes with the federal government. “To get the illegal migrants, the Trump administration will have to get through all of us,” he said, responding to Trump’s aggressive immigration policies.
On the business front, Mamdani expressed willingness to engage with New York’s corporate leaders, including JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, who offered support in interviews, contrasting with the cautious approach of other business figures.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding his election, Mamdani faces a difficult path to achieving his affordability goals, navigating state oversight, federal challenges, and economic constraints in one of the world’s largest and most complex cities.