In a bold move signaling sweeping change for America’s largest city, New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced an all-female transition team on Wednesday — a first in the city’s modern political history and a defining opening chapter of what he calls “the most ambitious policy agenda in a generation.”

Speaking before reporters in his home borough of Queens, the 34-year-old democratic socialist and history-making mayor-elect emphasized readiness, unity, and bold governance. “We will build a City Hall capable of delivering real progress for working New Yorkers,” Mamdani declared. “This administration will be capable, compassionate, and grounded in integrity.”

Mamdani named Elana Leopold as executive director of the transition effort. Joining her as co-chairs are some of the most influential women in government and public policy:

This powerhouse slate underscores Mamdani’s commitment to representation, innovation, and high-level public sector expertise. The choice of Lina Khan, revered for her aggressive stance on corporate monopolies, signals a potentially transformative approach to economic fairness, consumer protection, and corporate accountability in New York City.

Mamdani’s victory marks multiple historic milestones. He will become:

His triumphant win has electrified progressive voters and grassroots organizers, many of whom see his administration as a generational political shift. Mamdani campaigned on universal childcare, free buses, expanding public housing, a city-run grocery network, and taxing the ultra-wealthy and corporations to fund services — policies that captured both national attention and a record-setting wave of small-dollar donations.

With fewer than 60 days until his January 1st inauguration, Mamdani says he is treating transition planning like “day one of governance.” “We owe it to New Yorkers to be ready from the first hour,” he said in his first post-election televised interview.

The mayor-elect steps into office amid unusually hostile national politics. President Donald Trump, who repeatedly attacked Mamdani during the campaign, has threatened to withhold federal funds from New York City, calling the incoming mayor “a communist” on social media.

New York’s budget relies on approximately $7.4 billion in federal funding — a potential flashpoint as Trump returns to the Oval Office. Mamdani, however, remains undeterred. “This city has faced every kind of challenge and risen stronger,” he said. “We will face these moments with courage and solidarity.”

Mamdani’s historic run was overshadowed by an unprecedented wave of Islamophobic rhetoric from political opponents and national commentators. A recent study found a 450% increase in anti-Muslim online attacks targeting him during the final stretch of the campaign.

Despite this, Mamdani used his victory speech to call for unity, saying that “New Yorkers face the same struggles — rising rents, public transit issues, and economic insecurity — no matter our background or beliefs.”

The selection of this transition team signals a sharp departure from traditional city leadership and establishes Mamdani as a rising figure in progressive governance nationally. His win came alongside significant Democratic victories across the country, further energizing the left wing of the party and redefining the electoral landscape.

Mamdani promises to begin announcing deputy mayors and commissioners in the coming days — a slate expected to blend fresh faces with experienced civic leaders. “Some will be familiar names, others brand-new, but all will be united in solving old problems with new solutions,” he emphasized.

As New Yorkers look ahead to January, momentum — and expectation — are building. Beyond policy, Mamdani’s election represents a cultural and political turning point for a city long defined by political machine figures and establishment power.