New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (D) has taken a bold step towards building a strong and inclusive administration by announcing that former Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan will co-chair his transition team. This decision has been met with widespread applause and is seen as a clear indication of the Mayor-elect’s commitment to bringing in fresh perspectives and diverse voices to his team.
Khan, a renowned legal scholar and advocate for fair competition and consumer protection, will lead the transition team alongside former New York City First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer (D) and former New York City Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Melanie Hartzog. The team will also include United Way CEO Sheena Wright and former New York City Council Member Jumaane Williams (D), who will serve as senior advisors.
The selection of Khan as co-chair of the transition team is a significant move, given her impressive track record in fighting for the rights of consumers and small businesses. As the youngest person ever to serve as FTC Chair, she has been a vocal critic of big tech companies and their monopolistic practices, making her a champion for fair competition in the digital age.
In a statement, Mayor-elect Mamdani expressed his excitement about having Khan on board, saying, “Lina Khan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team. Her expertise in consumer protection and antitrust law will be invaluable as we work towards creating a fair and equitable New York City for all our residents.”
Khan’s co-chair, Maria Torres-Springer, also praised her appointment, stating, “I am thrilled to have Lina Khan as my co-chair. Her deep understanding of economic issues and her commitment to social justice will be instrumental in shaping our vision for a more just and inclusive city.”
The transition team will play a crucial role in helping Mayor-elect Mamdani fulfill his campaign promises and set the tone for his administration. With a diverse and experienced team at the helm, the Mayor-elect is sending a strong message that his administration will be one that prioritizes the needs and concerns of all New Yorkers.
In addition to Khan’s appointment, the transition team also includes former New York City Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Melanie Hartzog, who brings a wealth of experience in social services and public health. Hartzog’s expertise will be crucial in addressing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the city’s most vulnerable communities.
United Way CEO Sheena Wright and former New York City Council Member Jumaane Williams (D) will serve as senior advisors to the transition team. Wright’s extensive background in community organizing and advocacy, along with Williams’ experience in government and social justice issues, will provide valuable insights and guidance to the team.
The announcement of the transition team’s co-chairs and advisors has been met with widespread support from community leaders and organizations. The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) praised the team’s diversity and expertise, stating, “We are thrilled to see such a diverse and experienced team leading the transition. We look forward to working with them to ensure that our city’s public schools are safe, equitable, and inclusive for all students.”
The selection of Khan and the other members of the transition team is a clear indication that Mayor-elect Mamdani is committed to building an administration that reflects the diversity and values of New York City. With their expertise and dedication, the team is poised to bring about positive and meaningful change for the city and its residents.
As New York City prepares for a new era of leadership, the appointment of Lina Khan as co-chair of the transition team is a promising start. Her leadership, along with the rest of the team, will undoubtedly pave the way for a more fair, just, and inclusive city for all New Yorkers.
