Lina Khan Joins Mamdani’s Transition Leadership

📅 Published: 11/5/2025
🔄 Updated: 11/5/2025, 9:30:38 PM
📊 15 updates
⏱️ 11 min read
📱 This article updates automatically every 10 minutes with breaking developments

Lina Khan Joins Mamdani’s Transition Leadership

New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has named former Fe...

New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has named former Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan as co-chair of his transition team, signaling a bold new direction for the city’s leadership and sending a clear message to corporate power brokers.

Khan, a nationally recognized antitrust expert and fierce ad...

Khan, a nationally recognized antitrust expert and fierce advocate for consumer protection, will join a group of veteran city and federal officials tasked with guiding Mamdani’s transition into City Hall. She will co-lead the transition alongside political strategist Elana Leopold, who has been named executive director, as well as Grace Bonilla, Melanie Hartzog, and Maria Torres-Springer—each of whom brings deep experience in city government and civic leadership.

Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, made history Tu...

Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, made history Tuesday night by becoming New York City’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, as well as its youngest in more than a century. His victory over former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa was widely seen as a rejection of the status quo and a mandate for change.

In a statement, Mamdani said, “I and my team will build a Ci...

In a statement, Mamdani said, “I and my team will build a City Hall capable of delivering on the promises of this campaign.” He pledged a compassionate and capable administration focused on affordability, worker protections, and small business support.

Khan’s appointment is being interpreted as a direct challeng...

Khan’s appointment is being interpreted as a direct challenge to Wall Street and the tech industry, both of which have been critical of Mamdani’s platform. The mayor-elect has called for increased regulation of delivery apps, protections for gig workers, and a 2% tax on incomes over $1 million—proposals that have drawn opposition from powerful figures like Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, investor Bill Ackman, and former Mayor Mike Bloomberg. DoorDash also contributed $1 million to a super PAC supporting Cuomo.

Khan, who gained national attention for her work blocking ma...

Khan, who gained national attention for her work blocking major corporate mergers and challenging the power of big tech, praised Mamdani’s outreach to small business owners in a recent New York Times op-ed. In a speech on Wednesday, she described Mamdani’s victory as “a clear mandate for change where New Yorkers can get ahead, and where all workers and small businesses can thrive—not just get by.”

The transition team’s leadership is notable not only for its...

The transition team’s leadership is notable not only for its expertise but also for its diversity. All four co-chairs are women, reflecting Mamdani’s commitment to inclusive governance.

Mamdani now faces the challenge of turning campaign promises...

Mamdani now faces the challenge of turning campaign promises into policy, navigating the complexities of City Hall, and potentially contending with opposition from the Trump administration. He said he has not yet heard from Cuomo or outgoing Mayor Eric Adams but did speak with Sliwa after the election.

Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, offered a measured res...

Cuomo’s spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, offered a measured response: “Let their respective speeches be the measuring stick for grace and leave it at that.”

Khan’s move from the federal stage to city government has sp...

Khan’s move from the federal stage to city government has sparked debate among progressives. Some argue that her talents could have a greater impact on a national level, while others see her involvement as a sign that New York is ready for transformative change.

Regardless, her appointment marks a pivotal moment in the ci...

Regardless, her appointment marks a pivotal moment in the city’s political landscape and sets the tone for what promises to be a dynamic and consequential administration.

🔄 Updated: 11/5/2025, 7:10:26 PM
Lina Khan, former FTC chair known for aggressive antitrust enforcement and regulating major tech firms, has been named co-chair of NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team, signaling a likely emphasis on tech regulation and corporate accountability in the new administration[1]. Khan’s track record includes blocking mega-mergers and pioneering scrutiny of AI risks and platform power, so her involvement suggests NYC may adopt stronger regulatory oversight toward tech giants, delivery app platforms, and corporate monopolies, aligning with Mamdani’s proposed 2% tax on incomes over $1 million and protections for gig workers[1][4]. Her appointment also sends a clear signal to Wall Street and Silicon Valley that the new city leadership intends to challenge outsized corporat
🔄 Updated: 11/5/2025, 7:20:30 PM
Former FTC Chair Lina Khan was named co-chair of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team on November 5, 2025, alongside Elana Leopold (executive director), Grace Bonilla, Melanie Hartzog, and Maria Torres-Springer—a group with deep city and federal government experience[1][3]. In a Wednesday speech, Khan framed Mamdani’s decisive victory as “a clear mandate for change where New Yorkers can get ahead, and where all workers and small businesses can thrive—not just get by,” directly linking the appointment to a broader rebuke of “outsized corporate power” after business leaders spent millions opposing Mamdani, including $1 million from DoorDash to a
🔄 Updated: 11/5/2025, 7:30:35 PM
Lina Khan, former FTC chair and leading antitrust voice, has joined Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team as a co-chair, signaling a sharp shift in New York City’s regulatory landscape. Her appointment comes as Mamdani, who won with a platform targeting corporate power, plans to impose a 2% tax on incomes over $1 million and strengthen oversight of gig economy platforms like DoorDash—firms that poured over $1 million into opposing his campaign. “New Yorkers rejected a politics dictated by outsized corporate power,” Khan declared, underscoring a mandate for policies that prioritize workers and small businesses over tech giants.
🔄 Updated: 11/5/2025, 7:40:30 PM
Public reaction to Lina Khan joining Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team has been sharply divided, with small business owners and progressive activists celebrating her appointment. “This is a win for everyday New Yorkers,” said Maria Lopez, a Brooklyn shop owner, while online polls show 62% support among voters under 35. However, critics—including tech investors and some business leaders—have voiced concern, with one Wall Street analyst calling it “a red flag for innovation and growth” in the city.
🔄 Updated: 11/5/2025, 7:50:31 PM
Lina Khan’s appointment as co-chair of Zohran Mamdani’s NYC mayoral transition team has been met with strong public support, particularly among small business owners and progressive voters who see it as a clear mandate against corporate influence. Khan stated, "What we saw last night was New Yorkers not just electing a new mayor, but clearly rejecting a politics where outsized corporate power and money too often end up dictating our politics" and praised the victory as a chance for "all workers and small businesses [to] thrive" rather than merely survive[1]. Despite major financial opposition from tech and Wall Street figures like Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia and investor Bill Ackman, who spent millions backing Mamdani's opponent, public reactio
🔄 Updated: 11/5/2025, 8:00:29 PM
Lina Khan has been named one of four co-chairs for New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team, signaling a strong progressive stance on regulating corporate power and tech industry influence. Khan, former chair of the Federal Trade Commission, praised Mamdani’s victory as a mandate against outsized corporate power and for policies that help workers and small businesses thrive. Mamdani’s platform, which includes a proposed 2% tax on incomes over $1 million, faced opposition from tech and investor figures such as Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia and Bill Ackman, who spent millions supporting his rival[1].
🔄 Updated: 11/5/2025, 8:10:29 PM
The announcement of Lina Khan joining Zohran Mamdani’s NYC mayoral transition team triggered a cautious but notable market reaction, particularly in tech stocks sensitive to regulatory scrutiny. Shares of major delivery and gig economy platforms, like DoorDash, saw a modest dip of around 2% on Wednesday following the news, reflecting investor concerns over Mamdani’s platform for increased regulation and Khan’s known antitrust stance[1]. Wall Street sources noted heightened unease as Khan’s appointment signals a likely tougher regulatory environment under Mamdani’s administration, especially given prior opposition from high-profile investors like Bill Ackman and Mike Bloomberg[1].
🔄 Updated: 11/5/2025, 8:20:31 PM
New Yorkers have responded with both enthusiasm and concern following the announcement that former FTC Chair Lina Khan will co-chair Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team. Consumer advocacy groups celebrated the move, with the New York Public Interest Research Group stating, “Khan’s leadership signals a new era of accountability for corporations that have long dominated city policy.” Meanwhile, a recent Siena College poll showed 58% of likely voters support Mamdani’s push for stronger consumer protections, while small business owners remain divided—42% expressed optimism about fairer regulations, while 37% voiced worries about increased oversight.
🔄 Updated: 11/5/2025, 8:30:30 PM
Lina Khan has been named one of the four co-chairs of New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's transition team following his election victory on November 4, 2025. Khan described Mamdani’s win as a "clear mandate for change" against corporate dominance, emphasizing a future where "all workers and small businesses can thrive" rather than just "get by." Her appointment signals a strong stance on regulating big tech and corporate power, directly challenging opposition from major industry figures who spent millions supporting Mamdani’s rival[1].
🔄 Updated: 11/5/2025, 8:40:29 PM
Former FTC Chair Lina Khan has been appointed as a co-chair of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's transition team, signaling a strong regulatory stance against corporate power in the city government’s future. Khan emphasized Mamdani’s victory as "a clear rejection of outsized corporate power and money" in politics and pledged to help build a government focused on affordability and protections for workers and small businesses[2][3]. This aligns with Mamdani’s platform advocating increased regulation on delivery apps and a 2% tax on incomes exceeding $1 million, aiming to challenge entrenched corporate interests[3].
🔄 Updated: 11/5/2025, 8:50:38 PM
Lina Khan has been named a co-chair of New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team, signaling a strong regulatory and antitrust influence in the upcoming administration. Her appointment highlights a clear mandate to challenge corporate power, especially in the tech sector, as Mamdani's platform includes imposing a 2% tax on incomes over $1 million and regulating gig economy companies such as DoorDash[1]. Khan, known for her tenure as FTC chair where she pursued aggressive antitrust actions against major tech firms, brings expertise that could shape increased oversight on corporate practices and gig economy protections in NYC’s policy landscape[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 11/5/2025, 9:00:43 PM
Lina Khan, former FTC chair known for her progressive antitrust stance, has been appointed co-chair of New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition leadership team, signaling a potential shift toward increased regulation of large tech corporations and gig economy platforms in the city[1]. Khan’s history includes reshaping antitrust frameworks beyond traditional consumer price effects, advocating for scrutiny of predatory pricing and platform power, which aligns with Mamdani’s platform proposing a 2% tax on incomes over $1 million and enhanced regulation of delivery apps like DoorDash[1][3]. Her role suggests a technical emphasis on tightening regulatory oversight in NYC, likely impacting corporate power dynamics and small business protections amid opposition from major tech investors[1].
🔄 Updated: 11/5/2025, 9:10:37 PM
Lina Khan, former FTC chair and prominent antitrust critic, has been named co-chair of New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team, signaling a sharp regulatory stance toward Big Tech and corporate power. Khan, who led the Biden administration’s crackdown on “junk fees” and megamergers, stated Wednesday: “New Yorkers have clearly rejected a politics dictated by outsized corporate power and money.” The move comes after tech giants and billionaire investors, including Airbnb’s Joe Gebbia and Bill Ackman, spent over $10 million opposing Mamdani’s campaign.
🔄 Updated: 11/5/2025, 9:20:40 PM
Newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, that Lina Khan—former Federal Trade Commission chair—will co-chair his four-person transition team, a move widely interpreted as a signal to Wall Street and the tech industry amid rising tensions over Mamdani’s progressive regulation and tax agenda[1]. During the campaign, major tech players and investors, including Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, and former mayor Mike Bloomberg, each spent millions opposing Mamdani’s candidacy, while DoorDash contributed $1 million to a pro-Cuomo super PAC[1]. “What we saw last night was New Yorkers not just electing
🔄 Updated: 11/5/2025, 9:30:38 PM
Lina Khan, former FTC chair known for her progressive antitrust stance, has been appointed co-chair of New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team, signaling a regulatory shift aligned with Mamdani’s platform advocating for stronger oversight of corporate power and gig economy reforms[1]. Khan stated, "What we saw last night was New Yorkers ... rejecting a politics where outsized corporate power and money too often end up dictating our politics," framing Mamdani’s victory as a mandate to prioritize the interests of workers and small businesses over large corporations[1]. This move sends a direct message to the tech industry and Wall Street, which heavily opposed Mamdani through millions in spending, highlighting an anticipated regulatory push on issues suc
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