New York City Mayor elect Zohran Mamdani has announced a wide-ranging transition team ahead of assuming office on Jan. 1, 2026. The appointments highlight strong representation from Indian Americans, reflecting the growing civic role of South Asian communities in the city.
Mamdani has made history as the first Muslim and first Indian American elected as Mayor of New York City. His transition team includes Indian Americans across policy, culture, governance, and community organising roles.
Among the prominent names is Lina Khan, appointed as Transition Co Chair with focus on economic policy. Khan, a noted legal scholar and former Federal Trade Commission chair, later declined to join the incoming administration. She has held senior roles in antitrust law and teaches at Columbia Law School.
Diya Vij has joined the Arts and Culture Committee. She works with Powerhouse Arts and focuses on South Asian contemporary art and cultural equity. Santosh Nandabalan now leads community organising efforts. He works with New York Communities for Change.
The transition team also includes Indian American Muslims. Faiza Ali serves on the Committee on Government Operations. Other Muslims feature across key committees. The Health Committee includes Tahir Amin and Musab Khan. Legal Affairs includes Sania Khan, Seher Khawaja, ShaifaliPuri, AfafNasher, TahanieAboushi, and Ramzi Kassem.Also, a broad group of Muslim and South Asian professionals.