Zahran Mamdani Names All-Women Transition Team Ahead of Historic New York Mayoral Term
New York’s mayor-elect unveils a groundbreaking female-led transition team, signaling a bold reformist vision and setting the stage for major political challenges under Trump’s administration.
In a historic first for American local politics, New York City Mayor-elect Zahran Mamdani announced the formation of an all-women transition team ahead of officially taking office on January 1, 2026, pledging to pursue what he called “the most ambitious political agenda in a generation.”
The announcement came during a press conference on Wednesday morning, where Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, unveiled the leadership team that will guide the transition into his new administration.
The team will be led by Ilana Leopold as executive director and includes Maria Torres-Springer, former First Deputy Mayor; Lina Khan, former chair of the Federal Trade Commission; Grace Bonilla, CEO of United Way; and Melanie Herzog, former Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services.
Mamdani Vows Competent, Compassionate Leadership Amid Trump’s Funding Threats
The inclusion of Khan — known for her tough antitrust enforcement during the Biden administration — signals Mamdani’s intent to bring reform-minded, nationally recognized figures into his local government.
Speaking to reporters, Mamdani said:“We will build an administration defined by competence and compassion, driven by integrity, and ready to work as hard as the millions of New Yorkers who call this city home.”
He added that his team has only 57 days to prepare, emphasizing that “early readiness is a duty to the city.”
Mamdani faces major political and economic challenges, including threats from President Donald Trump to cut off federal funding to New York City. On Truth Social, Trump — also a native of Queens — wrote that it is “highly unlikely” he would allocate federal funds to a city “led by a communist like Mamdani.”
Mamdani Promises “New Era” for New York as City Awaits Historic Inauguration
According to data from the New York State Comptroller, federal funding accounts for about 6.4% of the city’s FY2026 budget, roughly $7.4 billion, making these threats potentially significant for infrastructure and public service projects.
In his first television interview after defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, Mamdani said his team will soon announce deputy mayors and agency commissioners, noting that while “some names will be familiar and others surprising, they will all share one goal — solving old problems with new ideas.”
Mamdani concluded:“On January 1, when our city celebrates the inauguration of a new administration, let us also celebrate a new era for New York — one we all belong to and one we all strive to make succeed.”
