NEW YORK — In a move that blends youthful ambition with seasoned expertise, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced on Monday the appointment of Dean Fuleihan, a 74-year-old veteran of city and state government, as his first deputy mayor. The decision signals Mamdani's intent to ground his progressive agenda in practical governance as he prepares to take office next year as New York City's youngest mayor in generations.
Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist and state assemblyman, made the announcement at a news conference, where he also named Elle Bisgaard-Church, a key campaign adviser and his current chief of staff in the Assembly, to serve as his City Hall chief of staff. These picks come just days after Mamdani's surprising victory in the mayoral race, where he campaigned on a platform aimed at restoring power to the working class through bold initiatives like free child care, free public buses, and city-run grocery stores.
At the news conference, Mamdani emphasized the need for a mix of innovation and experience in his administration. “It is important when we are undertaking the work of transforming politics in our city, that we do so both with a relentless imagination as to what politics could be, and a fluency of what politics has been,” he said. “And what I so appreciate about both of those standing next to me is that they have displayed those two skills in spades.”
Fuleihan's extensive resume includes more than four decades in government, with notable roles as budget director and deputy mayor under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, as well as key positions in the state Legislature in Albany. There, he served as a top adviser to former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and as the chamber's chief budget negotiator. His experience is expected to be crucial in navigating the city's massive bureaucracy, which oversees the nation's largest police department and school system, and in securing state-level support for Mamdani's proposals.
As first deputy mayor, Fuleihan will oversee the city's budget office and various administrative departments, providing what sources describe as institutional heft to Mamdani's team. Skeptics have questioned the financial feasibility of Mamdani's agenda, but his choice of Fuleihan suggests a pragmatic approach to implementation. Mamdani has pledged to “create a new City Hall,” blending fresh ideas with proven leadership.
Mamdani's rapid rise in New York politics culminated in his win last week, defeating more established candidates in a race that highlighted growing support for progressive policies in the city. Elected to the state Assembly in 2020 representing parts of Queens, Mamdani has been a vocal advocate for issues like affordable housing and criminal justice reform. His mayoral campaign focused on addressing income inequality and empowering working-class communities, resonating with voters amid ongoing economic challenges post-pandemic.
In addition to these appointments, Mamdani has assembled a transition team featuring officials from the administrations of former Mayors Bill de Blasio and Michael Bloomberg, as well as federal experience. This eclectic group underscores his strategy to surround himself with expertise while pushing forward his transformative vision. He has also expressed interest in retaining current Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, though she has not yet confirmed whether she would stay on.
“I want to keep the city's current police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, in that role,” Mamdani said in a recent statement, though Tisch has declined to comment on her potential acceptance.
Fuleihan's background in Albany could prove particularly valuable, given that many of Mamdani's proposals—such as expanding free public services—will require approval from state lawmakers and Governor Kathy Hochul. During his time in the Legislature, Fuleihan was involved in high-stakes budget negotiations, earning a reputation as a skilled operator in complex fiscal matters. At 74, he brings a stark contrast in age and experience to the 34-year-old mayor-elect, a dynamic that Mamdani highlighted as a strength.
Elle Bisgaard-Church, meanwhile, represents the fresh perspective Mamdani values. As a top adviser during his campaign and his chief of staff in the Assembly, she has been instrumental in shaping his policy priorities. Her appointment ensures continuity from his legislative work to City Hall, where she will manage daily operations and staff.
The appointments come at a pivotal time for New York City, which is grappling with recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, rising housing costs, and debates over public safety. Mamdani's agenda includes ambitious plans to make child care universally free, eliminate bus fares to improve accessibility, and establish municipal grocery stores to combat food insecurity in underserved neighborhoods. Critics, including some fiscal conservatives, have labeled these ideas as financially unrealistic, pointing to the city's already strained budget of over $100 billion annually.
According to reports, Mamdani's team is already working on strategies to fund these initiatives, potentially through reallocating resources from areas like policing or seeking additional state aid. Fuleihan's expertise in budget matters will likely play a central role in these efforts, drawing on his experience managing the city's finances during de Blasio's tenure, which included navigating economic downturns and implementing progressive policies like universal pre-kindergarten.
Beyond the immediate appointments, Mamdani's transition signals broader shifts in city governance. His victory marks a generational change, as he becomes the first mayor under 40 since the early 20th century, and one of the most progressive leaders in the city's history. Supporters see this as an opportunity to address longstanding inequities, while detractors worry about the potential for increased spending and regulatory overreach.
Looking ahead, Mamdani is set to be sworn in on January 1, 2024, assuming office amid high expectations and scrutiny. His administration will need to balance bold reforms with the practicalities of running a city of 8.8 million people. With Fuleihan at his side, Mamdani aims to bridge the gap between visionary policies and effective execution, potentially setting the tone for progressive governance in major U.S. cities.
As New York watches this unfolding transition, the blend of experience and innovation in Mamdani's team could define his mayoralty. Whether this approach succeeds in delivering on promises like free child care and buses remains to be seen, but the appointments suggest a calculated effort to make ambitious goals achievable in the nation's largest metropolis.