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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - New York City’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has appointed an all-women transition team to guide the formation of his incoming administration.The 34-year-old politician, who made history as the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor-elect, announced the lineup on Wednesday, featuring a roster of seasoned advisors from the administrations of Eric Adams, Bill de Blasio, and Michael Bloomberg.The team comprises former city and federal officials, nonprofit leaders, and City Hall veterans. Speaking at a press conference in Queens, Mamdani said his transition team reflects his commitment to building a government that delivers on its promises.“We will cast a wide net,” Mamdani said. “I and my team will build a City Hall capable of delivering on the promises of this campaign.”As the incoming mayor, Mamdani will lead a workforce of around 300,000 city employees and manage a budget exceeding US$100 billion. He said the transition process would embody his administration’s goal of addressing long-standing challenges with “new solutions.”Key Members of the Transition TeamAccording to CBS News, Elana Leopold, a former staffer under Bill de Blasio and a senior advisor to Mamdani’s campaign, has been appointed executive director of the transition team.She will work alongside Melanie Hartzog, former deputy mayor for health and human services under de Blasio, who now serves as co-chair and team director.Lina Khan, former chair of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a prominent ally of Senator Bernie Sanders, also joins the team.Known for her strong stance against corporate monopolies during the Biden administration, Khan’s inclusion underscores Mamdani’s intent to challenge corporate influence and promote fair competition.Maria Torres-Springer, former first deputy mayor under Eric Adams, has also been tapped for the team. Her return to city government follows her resignation earlier this year amid a corruption probe involving Adams.Joining them is Grace Bonilla, President and CEO of United Way of New York City, who previously served in both the Bloomberg and de Blasio administrations.A Vision for a Fairer New YorkMamdani has pledged to prioritize equity-focused social programs, including free childcare services, fare-free public buses, city-owned grocery stores, and a new Community Safety Department that deploys mental health professionals to certain emergency calls instead of police officers.“On 1 January, when our city celebrates the inauguration of a new administration, let us also celebrate a new era for our city” Mamdani said.His victory ushers in a generational shift in city politics and marks several historic milestones, as Mamdani becomes New York City’s first Muslim mayor, the first of South Asian descent, and the youngest to hold the office in more than a century.Editor’s Choice: Israel Criticizes Zohran Mamdani's Election Victory in New YorkClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
