Mamdani Taps Controversial Biden Admin Official For Transition Team

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has named Lina Khan, the former Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair under President Biden, as a co-lead of his transition team. Khan will join several City Hall veterans in managing the process.

In a statement, Khan expressed excitement about helping to build a new era for New York, aligning with Mamdani’s goal of creating a city that working people can afford. Mamdani stated that his team would be committed to solving old problems with new, people-first solutions.

Khan is a prominent and controversial progressive figure, known for her aggressive antitrust agenda and crackdowns on corporate mergers and “unfair business practices” at the FTC. While celebrated by progressives, her regulatory approach, particularly against Big Tech, drew significant criticism.

Mamdani, a self-identified socialist, secured a notable victory by defeating a bipartisan coalition that had backed former Governor Andrew Cuomo. His win was part of a broader election night that saw significant Democratic successes in several states.

Following the results, former President Donald Trump suggested that Republican losses were due to his name not being on the ballot and the government shutdown. He commented that the outcomes were unexpected and “not good for Republicans.”

In reaction to Mamdani’s victory, some House Republicans and the New York Young Republican Club are exploring legal challenges. They are citing the 14th Amendment’s “insurrection clause” in an attempt to block him from taking office.

This effort argues that Mamdani’s past statements and affiliations could be interpreted as providing “aid or comfort” to the nation’s enemies, though such a legal challenge is considered a long shot.