The New York storm continues; Mamdani’s transition team is led by experienced women.
Zahran Mamdani, who defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the New York mayoral election, is set to officially take office on January 1, 2026, at a press conference in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in New York City. “New Yorkers deserve a government they can trust,” Mamdani said at a news conference in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in New York City, announcing his new transition team until he officially takes office. “When our city celebrates the inauguration of a new era, we will also celebrate a new era for New York City.” Mamdani, who defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the New York mayoral election, is set to officially take office on January 1, 2026.
During what is being called a transition period, Mamdani’s transition will be led by women who have previously worked with former New York City mayors Bill de Blasio, Eric Adams, and Michael Bloomberg.
In the meantime, progressive political strategist Elana Leopold has been appointed as the transition’s executive director.
Meanwhile, former First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, nonprofit leader Grace Bonilla, and city budget expert Melanie Hartzog are set to serve as a transition team.
Mamdani said in a press conference after the mayoral election results about his goals and plans for the future that he will “create a New York City that can deliver” on his campaign promises.
Mamdani added: “We will build a broad network, consulting with and engaging with organizers who are on the front lines of the fight to improve our city, experienced individuals with proven track records, policy experts from around the country and the world, and working people who know better than anyone what their neighborhoods need.”