Zohran Mamdani Forms All-Women Transition Team as NYC’s First Muslim Mayor

New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, announced on Wednesday that preparations for forming his administration have begun. He revealed that his transition team will be entirely led by women, pledging to build a “competent and compassionate City Hall” that will fulfill the promises of his campaign from the very first day in office, January 1.

According to The Guardian, the 34-year-old mayor-elect made the announcement during a press conference in Queens. The team’s Executive Director will be Ilana Leopold, while the Vice Chairs include Maria Torres-Springer, former First Deputy Mayor; Lina Khan, former chair of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC); Grace Bonilla, President and CEO of United Way; and Melanie Herzog, former Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services.

The inclusion of Lina Khan, known nationally for her bold antitrust actions under President Joe Biden, signals Mamdani’s intention to implement reformist and progressive policies in his administration.

After defeating Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, Mamdani told reporters in his first televised interview, “This city wants to see us ready. We have 57 days—now is the time to get to work.” His victory marks a historic moment for New York—he is the first Muslim mayor, the first South Asian–American, the first African-born, and the youngest mayor in over a century.

However, Mamdani faces an early challenge from former President Donald Trump, who has threatened to cut off federal funding to New York once Mamdani takes office. On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “If Mamdani wins, I won’t send federal funds to New York unless required by law,” and has repeatedly labeled Mamdani a “communist.”

Federal funds make up about $7.4 billion (6.4%) of New York City’s 2026 fiscal budget. On election day, Trump also posted inflammatory comments, saying, “Any Jew who votes for Zohran Mamdani is a fool,” despite Mamdani’s repeated condemnation of antisemitism.

Throughout the campaign, Mamdani has been the target of intense Islamophobic attacks. Republican Congressmen Randy Fine and Andy Ogles urged the Justice Department to revoke his citizenship, while Texas Congressman Chip Roy called Mamdani “the symbol of the modern Democratic Party,” claiming his leadership represented “an Islamic cultural revolution.”

According to a report by the Center for the Study of Organized Hate, Islamophobic posts targeting Mamdani increased by 450% from September to October, with over 36,000 posts from 17,000 accounts, generating 7.3 million likes.

Despite the hostility, Mamdani remains optimistic. “We spent a year talking about bold policies, and I’m confident we’ll make them real,” he said. “Politics aside, New Yorkers share the same problems—and we’ll find the solutions together.”

Mamdani’s progressive agenda includes rent stabilization, free bus transportation, universal childcare, city-run grocery stores, and higher taxes on the wealthy. His campaign raised $20 million primarily from small donors, with an average contribution of $80.

His office announced that the names of deputy mayors and department commissioners will be revealed soon. “Some will be familiar, others new—but all are united by a single mission: finding new solutions to old problems,” Mamdani said. “On January 1, when we take the oath, New Yorkers won’t just welcome a new mayor—they’ll welcome a new era where everyone feels a stake in the city’s success.”