The Washington Post editorial says New York City mayor‑elect Zohran Mamdani has assembled a transition team that pairs veteran city officials with prominent left‑wing activists, raising questions about how he will govern. The editorial praised Mamdani’s quick acceptance of Catherine Almonte Da Costa’s resignation after antisemitic social posts surfaced, but warned that ideological tensions could be difficult to reconcile. Key appointments—Dean Fuleihan as deputy mayor, Sherif Soliman as budget director, and Jessica Tisch remaining as police commissioner—signal both continuity and conflict. Major initiatives like free busing and millionaire tax hikes will depend on cooperation from Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature.
Mamdani’s Transition Team: Veterans, Left‑Wing Activists and a Test of Governing
Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks in the New York City Democratic Mayoral Primary Debate at NBC Studios on June 4, 2025 in New York City.
New York City mayor‑elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team combines seasoned municipal officials with outspoken left‑wing activists, a mix the Washington Post editorial board says could test his ability to govern effectively. The paper praised Mamdani’s swift acceptance of a resignation over antisemitic social posts but warned that ideological tensions within the team may prove difficult to reconcile.
Resignation Over Antisemitic Posts
Mamdani accepted the resignation of Catherine Almonte Da Costa after resurfaced social media posts showed she had referred to "money hungry Jews." Da Costa had been named the city’s director of appointments. The Post framed her quick ouster as evidence of a pragmatic streak in the incoming mayor and a sign he understands that tolerating violent or odious rhetoric would undermine his ability to govern.
A Deliberate Mix: Activists and Administrators
The editorial argued that Mamdani has "elevated normal bureaucrats alongside left‑wing zealots," noting members of his transition team who are regarded as ideological advisers: Lumumba Bandele (described in the editorial as a Black nationalist who advocated for the release of a convicted cop killer), Alex Vitale (author of The End of Policing), and Lina Khan (known for expanding the scope of state power as chair of the Federal Trade Commission). The Post also highlighted that Mamdani’s chief of staff, Elle Bisgaard‑Church, is a fellow member of the Democratic Socialists of America.
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, left, and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Seasoned Officials and Continuity
At the same time, Mamdani has tapped experienced city managers for key roles. He named 74‑year‑old former city budget director Dean Fuleihan as a deputy mayor and appointed Sherif Soliman, a tax expert who has served under the last three mayors, as budget director. Most notably, Mamdani is retaining Jessica Tisch as police commissioner; the Post noted Tisch is pursuing the addition of 5,000 officers and has allowed police to clear homeless encampments.
Policy Limits and Albany’s Role
The editorial emphasized that some of Mamdani’s campaign promises—such as free busing and higher taxes on millionaires—will require cooperation from Governor Kathy Hochul and the state legislature. To help manage that relationship, Mamdani appointed Jahmila Edwards, an alumna of Bill de Blasio’s administration, as director of intergovernmental affairs. The Post suggested the most likely outcome is Albany constraining the mayor‑elect’s most ambitious initiatives, and that the pressures of governing could temper the influence of some of his more ideologically driven advisers.
Looking Ahead
“Maybe Mamdani will be spooked into moderation,” the paper concluded, recounting outgoing Mayor Eric Adams’s playful warning about a ‘friendly ghost’ at Gracie Mansion.
As Mamdani prepares to take office, his staffing decisions set up an early test: can he balance activist energy with pragmatic administration to deliver on promises while maintaining public confidence and working with state partners?
