Newly elected Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, may have secured victory in the polls, but his true challenge lies ahead as he confronts the established powers within the city.
Mamdani, now responsible for leading a metropolis of 8.5 million residents and managing a staggering $116 billion budget alongside a workforce of 300,000, encounters resistance from critics and allies alike. The landscape of entrenched power is complex, featuring numerous voices, substantial resources, and often dubious motives.
Dana Rubinstein outlines the significant, if somewhat mundane, challenges that await Mamdani:
His initial task involves evaluating the remnants of the previous administration, deciding which heads will continue to steer more than 100 offices and agencies. He must also determine the number of deputy mayors his administration requires and fill those positions.
Additionally, he will need to engage in the ongoing election for the Speaker of the New York City Council—his potential governing ally—and start assembling a preliminary budget plan by January.
Interestingly, this early phase might present the least resistance from established powers. Historically, “New Yorkers enjoy disliking their mayors from the moment they take office,” notes Amit Singh Bagga, a former official from the Bill de Blasio administration, City and State NY. Added to this are the rivalries he cultivated during his campaign.
Early supporter and Working Families Party co-chair, Ana María Archila, cautioned, “(this election) is merely the beginning of a longer fight. The billionaires didn’t invest $30 million to simply walk away.”
Notably, billionaire John Catsimatidis has expressed distrust, stating, “There’s more to uncover, and one day we will.”
Only time will tell, but entrenched power proves resilient, regardless of the number of battles it may lose.
Review of Prior Coverage on the 2025 NYC Mayoral Race
For those interested, previous articles detailing the election and the recent gubernatorial races are available for review.
Let’s kick off with former President Donald Trump and his enforcement strategies.
Trump’s Threats Towards Mamdani’s New York
Trump’s rhetoric surrounding Mamdani has been consistently provocative, calling him a “communist” and suggesting a rapid migration of “refugees fleeing communism in New York” to Miami.
Trump’s potential strategies include:
- Deploying ICE to NYC
While Trump has previously dispatched ICE agents and National Guard members to locations such as Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, he has limited action in New York itself so far.
This situation might offer a chance for Mamdani to ally with the combined strength of New York’s other elected Democrats, including Governor Kathy Hochul, the state’s congressional delegation, and the judiciary.
In response to the situation, Mamdani declared that ICE agents “must adhere to the law; any violations cannot be overlooked,” on November 5th.
- Withholding Federal Funding to the City
Before Mamdani’s election, Trump announced on Truth Social that he would likely minimize federal fund contributions, giving only the bare minimum required to his “beloved first home.”
Federal funds account for roughly $8.5 billion, or about 7% of the city’s budget. Trump has intimated the possibility of cutting millions from FEMA funding for the city, though he later walked back some of these threats, and a federal court mandated funding provisions as well.
- Arresting and Deporting Mamdani
Trump’s explicit threat to arrest Mamdani emerged following the latter’s pledge to “stop masked ICE agents from deporting our neighbors.”
Trump retorted, “If that’s the course, we’ll have to arrest him.”
However, arresting Mamdani could escalate tensions between Trump and elected Democratic officials in blue states, especially considering Trump’s waning popularity, which might compel him to rethink such actions. Even staunchly pro-Israel Democratic Congressman Dan Goldman would likely support Mamdani in this scenario.
While Trump may become a habitual annoyance for Mayor Mamdani, the straightforward binary of “us versus them” will maintain clarity on that front.
Mamdani’s most significant challenges may originate from nominal allies entrenched within the state and national Democratic party.
Governor Hochul Undermining Mamdani
Governor Kathy Hochul finally endorsed Mamdani in September, but that does not guarantee her support for his agenda. In fact, she has already rejected one of Mamdani’s cornerstone policies, advocating for free bus fares:
… During the SOMOS organization’s political conference in Puerto Rico over the weekend, Hochul seemed to temper the enthusiasm surrounding Mamdani’s free bus initiative, citing potential threats to public transit funding.
“I cannot propose a plan that detracts from a system dependent on fare income for buses and subways. However, we can certainly explore options to improve affordability for those in need,” she stated during a conference following the SOMOS social-political event held in Puerto Rico last week.
The projected annual cost of implementing free bus fares for New York’s MTA stands at around $652 million.
Hochul also appears entrenched in her position against any tax increases, which could derail Mamdani’s ambition to raise New York’s corporate tax rate to 11.5% (on par with New Jersey) and introduce a flat 2% tax on individuals earning over $1 million each year.
She has already declared her determination to resist pressure surrounding tax hikes.
I asked Hochul about her comment: “I’m from Buffalo, we don’t tolerate nonsense…” https://t.co/oRXoSHxHoa pic.twitter.com/IG7dzedK2K
— Jeff Coltin (@JCColtin) November 8, 2025
Nevertheless, Mamdani does possess allies in the state legislature, such as the “politicians heading the state Assembly and Senate, Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins—both of whom supported Mamdani’s mayoral campaign.”
As noted by NY1 News:
“It’s November. It’s rather early. We need to assess the dynamics within the state budget,” Heastie remarked. “However, I sense a willingness. While I can’t speak for the other two partners, we all want Zohran, the mayor-elect, to succeed.”
The struggle to finance Mamdani’s affordability agenda may be relatively straightforward given entrenched power. However, he faces far more subtle challenges from new allies in both the city and across the nation.
How Much Will Obama Influence Mamdani?
Although former President Barack Obama refrained from endorsing Mamdani (sticking to a policy of abstaining from local races), he did reach out, as highlighted in this NY Times article: “Obama Calls Mamdani to Praise His Campaign and Offers to Be a Sounding Board.”
This communication raised concerns among Obama critics, especially in light of Mamdani’s mid-campaign compromise regarding pro-Palestinian rhetoric.
The backdrop to this compromise is worth revisiting, as reported by CNN in July:
During a meeting with approximately 150 prominent business leaders at Tishman Speyer, Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer’s chairman and CEO, asked Mayor nominee Mamdani to clarify his defense of the phrase “globalize the intifada.”
…
Mamdani acknowledged understanding why this phrase could invoke feelings of pain and trauma among Jewish people, pledging to discourage its usage in the future during the meeting.
While rhetorical compromises can be a necessity, Mamdani has, so far, avoided any major missteps akin to those typical of Obama’s administration.
Importantly, Mamdani is committed to maintaining his active volunteer force of 100,000 involved in city politics, sharply contrasting Obama’s tendency to dissolve his grassroots army shortly after entering the presidency in 2008.
Additionally, Mamdani will encounter other supporters urging him to bend his promises, as illustrated by the exchange between podcaster Kate Willett and YIMBY strategist Alex Armlovich:
I believe he has a mandate from those he centered—riders, renters, families—but he also has to determine the most effective approach to implement real change for them.
He is tasked with delivering significant, visible improvements for these groups, but he possesses considerable flexibility in how he achieves this.
— Alex Armlovich (@aarmlovi) November 10, 2025
It’s crucial to evaluate Mamdani based on statements and actions he has taken, rather than assuming he’ll sway with the views articulated by other individuals voicing the interests of entrenched power.
So far, his staffing decisions appear to be sound.
Mamdani’s Transition Team
One of Mamdani’s most significant allies throughout his campaign was Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who encouraged Mamdani to prioritize the transition and the initial 100 days, as reported by CNN:
When Sanders returned to New York for a concluding rally at Forest Hills Stadium, he expressed greater confidence in Mamdani’s prospects. However, he emphasized the importance of focus in meetings, urging Mamdani’s team to have detailed strategies ready.
After seeking insight from various experts, Sanders stressed the necessity of showing immediate results, stating, “They’ll attempt to undermine you; you need to demonstrate action.”
Mamdani’s transition team, co-chaired by former Biden FTC Commissioner Lina Khan, has garnered praise from progressive policy experts:
Elana Leopold, a political strategist formerly working with Mayor Bill de Blasio, serves as the team’s executive director. Other members include Melanie Hartzog, who previously held Deputy Mayor status for Health and Human Services under Mr. de Blasio; Lina Khan, former FTC chair; Grace Bonilla, head of United Way of New York City and an alum of former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s administration; and Maria Torres-Springer, the former first deputy mayor to the current Mayor, Eric Adams.
I encourage commenters with a keen interest in policy and New York politics to share their insights regarding Mamdani’s personnel selections.
As highlighted by Matt Stoller, there is anticipation around Khan’s involvement in Mamdani’s administration:
One compelling aspect of the New York City dynamic is Mamdani’s recruitment of anti-monopoly advocate Lina Khan as one of his transition co-chairs.
…
This marks a potential fusion of grassroots movements and administrative savvy.
Stoller elaborates on the “economic termites,” or entities with disproportionate market power, that burden city governance. These include monopolistic firms responsible for critical city services such as public safety equipment, transit systems, and health care.
However, this NY Times article raised concerns about the influences surrounding Mamdani during his decision-making process:
Ms. Hochul, who backed Mr. Mamdani’s candidacy, has taken an unusually active role in his hiring decisions, asserting that she will assist him in assembling a “highly experienced team to navigate the complexities of managing a city.”
Mr. Mamdani and his aides have tapped numerous voices for guidance, including Ron Klain, former chief of staff to President Biden; Janette Sadik-Khan, who served as transportation commissioner under Mayor Bloomberg; and Kathryn Garcia, Hochul’s director of state operations and a former mayoral primary competitor. (Garcia attended Mr. Mamdani’s victory rally.)
The mention of Ron Klain raises eyebrows, given his previous role in shaping controversial policies.
Yes, that Ron Klain. The individual Lambert critiqued on this site for contributing to a response to the pandemic that allowed for mass infection.
One certainly hopes this reflects a strategy of keeping adversaries close.
Mamdani’s Ruthless Political Calculus
Throughout the campaign, Mamdani exhibited a willingness to be ruthless.
Consider New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, an essential figure in Mamdani’s primary campaign who will not play a part in his administration, as reported by CNN:
(Lander) recalibrated his campaign as a vehicle for dismantling former Governor Cuomo through aggressive negative messaging, permitting Mamdani to conclude with uplifting sentiments. He was instrumental in asserting Mamdani’s legitimacy among skeptical progressives and particularly to Jewish voters.
However, by the summer, Mamdani privately expressed skepticism about Lander’s effectiveness, leading to a prolonged silence between them. Lander’s expectations of dominating the upcoming administration had reached Mamdani’s ears and did not sit well.
Politics can indeed be brutal, but it’s not surprising. Personally, I welcome Mamdani’s capacity for toughness.
The progressive movement has already witnessed enough “nice guys” like Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn who appear vulnerable to established power when battles grow fierce.
Rumors suggest Lander may even pursue a primary challenge against Congressman Dan Goldman, a potential silver lining for Lander’s supporters.
Mamdani’s Diverse Network of Insiders
Mamdani’s network includes not only Klain; a recent NY Times article also mentioned two others from established power who have aligned with him:
Patrick Gaspard, a former Obama administration official and director of the DNC, as well as Sally Susman, a distinguished corporate leader who has supported multiple presidential campaigns including those of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden. Gaspard met Mamdani years ago, while Susman approached him this summer after his July meeting with the Partnership for New York City, consisting of 350 influential corporate members.
This piece also discussed how authorities now perceive Mamdani’s victory:
Robert Wolf, a member of the Partnership for New York City and a significant Democratic fundraiser, stated he has begun informal communications with Mamdani, serving as a conduit for the city’s finance sector’s interests. He describes Mamdani as a “progressive capitalist,” believing he seeks avenues for utilizing governmental efforts in fostering equality and supporting marginalized communities.
These discussions appear to enable Mamdani to subtly recalibrate his previous stances, softening the confrontational language associated with his democratic-socialist values.
This evokes a sentiment shared by John Lennon—the challenges of compromising to meet the demands of power often come at a personal cost.
Balancing with entrenched power is a prerequisite for anyone aspiring to govern meaningfully. However, several of Mamdani’s meetings are cause for both concern and admiration regarding his nuanced approach.
Mamdani’s Police Commissioner Dilemma
Mamdani’s decision to retain commissioner Jessica Tisch has drawn scrutiny. I previously noted in October that this choice shows a political keen awareness of the challenges he’ll face from the city’s law enforcement agencies.
The entrenched power of the NYPD is formidable, especially regarding Tisch—“a woman with three Harvard degrees, a $12 million Upper East Side apartment, and no experience in uniform.”
Post-election, journalist Ken Klippenstein described Mamdani’s retention of Tisch as “Mamdani’s first setback,” noting:
This first significant concession not only bows to political norms but also aligns with the broader national security apparatus.
…
Tisch has claimed that proposed cuts to the NYPD’s counter-terrorism budget represent a “betrayal” and insisted that counterterrorism funding should remain above political considerations.
Mamdani’s campaign frequently emphasized the importance he places on “public safety”—likely a way to distance himself from the “defund the police” narrative that has arisen in recent years. Keeping Tisch could be perceived as a concession to public safety, yet it ultimately serves the interests of the National Security establishment, as her rhetoric indicates.
Not national security in the traditional sense, but rather the underlying belief that certain decisions ought to escape the realm of elected authority or democratic oversight. To Tisch, these elements “cannot become political issues.”
Further insights into Mamdani’s relationship with Tisch, and the larger surveillance infrastructure, have been explored by Ali Winston in a piece titled, “Zohran Mamdani Just Inherited the NYPD Surveillance State.”
While Mamdani aims to create a $1 billion Department of Community Safety for addressing non-emergency situations without police involvement, his other statements may conflict directly with Tisch’s own history within the NYPD. Tisch played a pivotal role in engineering the NYPD’s controversial surveillance systems during a time marked by extensive scrutiny.
Winston cites concerns raised by Albert Fox Cahn, a founder of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (STOP), regarding the implications of Mamdani’s alliance with Tisch amid the pervasive surveillance state:
It’s uncertain whether he will advocate for dismantling the existing architecture of religious and racial profiling or opt to adhere to the familiar structures.
This leads to a fundamental question: If mayors feel intimidated by the prospect of dismissing police commissioners, do we genuinely have public control over policing? When oversight resides in name only, what does it say about the democratic process in America?
Despite Tisch’s efforts to stay relevant, the NY Post has reported that she has expressed disappointment over a lack of communication with Mamdani and seeks “autonomy” if she remains at the NYPD.
Tisch’s allies among influential power brokers have also made their position clear:
The corporate sector is firmly backing Commissioner Tisch. Many see her leadership as a stabilizing force during these tumultuous times. Jim Zelter, president of Apollo Global Management, underscored the link between public safety and economic confidence, advocating continuity at the helm of the department.
The Intercept has reminded its readers of how Mamdani must navigate the complicated terrain of police reform:
Mamdani’s administration must resolve questions about leadership, staffing, and the dynamics of police union negotiations. These present serious bureaucratic hurdles. Even if officers support Mamdani’s initiatives, he’ll encounter substantial resistance from both department leaders and the influential police union.
All these challenges complicate Mamdani’s position and governance. He faces the daunting task of balancing loyalty from his base while not alienating the entrenched power structures he needs to cooperate with in maintaining stability.
Mamdani’s volunteer cohort should take into account the wise words of ally Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America, as he navigates critical decisions: “Aligning with the elites instead of standing with his voters could jeopardize his governing coalition.”
To successfully challenge entrenched power, Mamdani must stay connected to those who placed their trust in him. Only then can he hope to achieve significant change.
