New York: Newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed pride and excitement at becoming the first immigrant in generations to lead a city built by immigrants, vowing to deliver on his central campaign promise — affordability.
At his first news conference as mayor-elect, Mamdani announced that Pakistani American Lina Khan would serve as co-chair of his transition team, responsible for vetting candidates and overseeing the handover of the administration in the city of 8.5 million. Khan, a former head of the Federal Trade Commission, was ousted by President Donald Trump — with whom Mamdani has often clashed.
Speaking in front of the Unisphere in Queens, Mamdani said the landmark symbolised his vision for an inclusive administration.
“We chose this location as a reflection of Queens, the borough I serve, and our pride in being known as the world’s borough,” he said. “I’m honoured to be the first immigrant mayor in generations — and even more excited to deliver an agenda centered on affordability.”
Mamdani called his transition team “a reflection of the excellence New Yorkers will soon come to expect from government.”
In a significant early decision, he announced plans to retain Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch — a move likely aimed at easing public concerns about crime and countering perceptions stemming from his earlier criticism of policing. Tisch, known for her tough stance on law and order, has yet to confirm if she will stay on.
Addressing tensions over his past involvement in anti-Israel demonstrations, Mamdani pledged to represent all New Yorkers:
“I look forward to being a mayor for everyone who calls this city home — including Jewish New Yorkers, whether they voted for me or not,” he said.
However, critics noted his silence regarding the city’s Hindu community, recalling his participation in a pro-Khalistan rally where anti-Hindu remarks were made.
Mamdani’s campaign focused on tackling the city’s affordability crisis — proposing measures such as rent freezes, expanded housing, free public buses, city-run retail outlets, and universal childcare, financed through higher taxes on the wealthy.
“When we enter City Hall in 58 days, expectations will be high — and we will meet them,” he declared.
Yet the mayor-elect faces steep challenges. Many of his proposals require approval from state lawmakers or funding that has yet to be secured. Trump has already threatened to withhold federal funds from the city under Mamdani’s leadership.
Despite national economic pressures and continued price increases, Mamdani expressed hope for collaboration. “I’d like to meet with President Trump to discuss how we can work together for New York,” he said, adding that he would also reach out to major business leaders, including JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon.
Dimon, in a recent interview, said he would offer support if Mamdani became mayor — a more conciliatory tone compared to other business figures wary of the self-described Democratic Socialist.
Trump, who has branded Mamdani a “communist,” repeated his criticism online, while Dimon described him as “more a Marxist than a socialist” given his previous remarks about nationalising industries.
Immigration enforcement could become a major flashpoint between the two. Mamdani warned that federal authorities would face resistance if they tried to target undocumented migrants in New York.
“To get to them, the Trump administration will have to get through all of us,” he said defiantly.
He later taunted Trump, saying he should “turn up the volume on his TV” to hear him — prompting a terse four-word response from the President on Truth Social.
