Zohran Mamdani on His Appointments: 'You Need to Build a Team Where People Can Also Say No to You'

New York City's mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, has emphasised the importance of diverse perspectives in his administration as he prepares to take office on 1 January 2026.

In a recent interview with Vox's Astead Herndon on the Today, Explained podcast, the 34-year-old Democratic Socialist discussed his approach to building a team, addressing criticisms, and maintaining public trust amid his transition from legislator to executive.

Mamdani's comments highlight a commitment to delivering on campaign promises while navigating the complexities of governance in America's largest city.

Building a Diverse Team

Mamdani emphasised that his thought process for selecting his appointees was to avoid individuals who will merely replicate his own views. 'I believe there's sometimes a tendency to replicate oneself, their ideas, and preferences in every hire,' he said.

Instead, he aims to cultivate an environment where debate thrives. 'You need to build a team where people can also say no to you, where people can push you, where you are able to have the debate inside the room as opposed to waiting to have the debate outside the room,' he added.

This philosophy guides his selections, focusing not on total alignment but on a shared belief in the core agenda. 'It's asking, do you believe in the agenda at hand, and do you have a vision for this specific position that shows you can fulfil that?' Mamdani explained.

His transition team reflects this ideology, drawing from diverse backgrounds to ensure robust internal discussions.

Addressing Critiques and Coalition-Building

Not all reactions to Mamdani's choices have been positive. Critics from progressive circles have questioned decisions such as retaining Jessica Tisch as police commissioner and rejecting a Democratic challenger to Hakeem Jeffries in Brooklyn, viewing them as shifts towards centrism.

Mamdani acknowledges these concerns, urging engagement in good faith. 'You have to first and foremost take these critiques in good faith,' he noted, warning against dismissing them as misunderstandings.

Defending Tisch's retention, Mamdani pointed to her record in combating corruption and reducing crime under the previous administration. He explained that his decision to retain Tisch is based on her achievements in reforming a New York Police Department, which a previous administration had filled with 'corruption and incompetence.'

He assured that key pledges, such as disbanding the strategic response group and creating a department of community safety to address mental health and homelessness, remain intact.

'The promises we campaigned on are still goals we intend to fulfil,' he said.

Reflections on Favourability and Delivery

Mamdani's current favourability rating stands at 15 points above neutral, a high mark that Herndon noted often signifies the peak for mayors. Addressing how to maintain this, Mamdani reflected on his relative inexperience with such metrics.

'I am aided by the fact that I have not given much weight to polls and favourability in the past, which is part of the reason why I'm sitting in front of you,' he said, indicating his novelty in dealing with high favourability. He emphasised delivering on affordability promises such as rent freezes, more efficient public transportation, and universal childcare.

He views the transition as an opportunity to demystify politics, utilising events and videos to engage New Yorkers directly. This 'inside-out' strategy aims to keep the public involved beyond the election, countering disengagement trends.

As Mamdani assumes office, his focus on inclusive teams and tangible outcomes could redefine progressive governance in New York. By blending idealism with pragmatism, he seeks to prove that bold agendas can succeed through collaboration and accountability.