Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City who made history with his election, has named an all-woman team to lead his transition into the mayor’s office, Time Magazine reported.
At a press conference in Queens, Mamdani remarked, “The poetry of campaigning may have come to a close last night at 9, but the beautiful prose of governing has just begun,” quoting former governor Mario M. Cuomo, father of his defeated opponent Andrew Cuomo. He pledged to build a City Hall capable of fulfilling the promises made during his campaign.
Mamdani’s transition team comprises former city and federal officials, nonprofit leaders, and City Hall veterans, many of whom have served under former mayors Eric Adams, Bill de Blasio, and Michael Bloomberg.
The team is tasked with ensuring a smooth transition for Mamdani until his inauguration in January, preparing him to lead a city with roughly 300,000 employees and a budget exceeding $100 billion.
Political strategist Elana Leopold, a longtime aide to de Blasio and senior adviser to Mamdani’s campaign, has been named executive director of the transition team.
Co-chairs include former first deputy mayor Maria Torres-Springer, former Federal Trade Commission chair Lina Khan, United Way of New York City President Grace Bonilla, and city budget expert Melanie Hartzog. Their combined experience in government and nonprofit sectors is expected to provide strong guidance during the transition period.
Mamdani’s historic election marks him as the first Muslim and first person of South Asian heritage to be elected mayor of New York City. His campaign notably resonated with young voters, who viewed him as a refreshing and hopeful alternative to the entrenched political landscape.
Observers have praised his decision to appoint an all-woman transition team as a demonstration of inclusivity and progressive leadership.
As Mamdani prepares to assume office, the focus will be on translating campaign promises into actionable governance, guided by a team with extensive expertise in public administration, budgeting, and civic leadership.
