In a bold move following his election as New York City’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani has appointed Lina Khan—former chair of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and prominent Pakistani-American legal scholar—as co-chair of his transition team. Khan will help guide the incoming administration’s policy rollout and personnel decisions as Mamdani prepares to take office on January 1, 2026.
Mamdani described the selection of Khan and the rest of his team as emblematic of his commitment to a “capable and compassionate City Hall.” He emphasized that their task is to transform his sweeping campaign promises—ranging from free childcare and public transit expansion to corporate tax reforms—into concrete action.
Khan, who rose to national prominence during her tenure at the FTC for aggressive antitrust enforcement, said she was honored to join the transition effort. She stated that Mamdani’s victory signalled New Yorkers’ desire for a government that prioritizes working people, holds powerful interests accountable, and delivers meaningful change.
The choice of Khan is widely seen as a message to both Wall Street and Silicon Valley: the upcoming city administration intends to engage with corporate power and large tech platforms in a manner distinct from past approaches. Observers say her presence may sharpen the transition team’s focus on regulatory oversight, economic equity, and lightweight structures of governance.
Mamdani’s transition leadership also includes veteran New York officials and nonprofit executives, forming an all-female senior team with Khan serving alongside others such as former deputy mayors and social service leaders. The mayor-elect reiterated that the transition period will be intense and front-loaded: “We have 57 days until we must be ready to govern,” he said at the announcement.
As the city braces for one of the most progressive mayoral administrations in recent memory, Khan’s appointment underscores both the ambition and the challenges ahead. Her background in federal regulation and economic policy adds weight to the transition process, though the real test will be how quickly the team can translate campaign promises into actionable programs once Mamdani moves into City Hall.
