The dust has barely settled on the 2025 elections, and already, the echoes of discontent are reverberating across New York City.
The city's industrious inhabitants are contemplating their departure to more congenial territories such as New Jersey, Texas, Florida, or perhaps even Buffalo. The catalyst for this mass exodus? The mayoral triumph of self-proclaimed socialist Zohran Mamdani, a man whose work ethic has been called into question.
As reported by RedState, Mamdani is also engrossed in his own planning - his transition. The news broke on Wednesday that he has enlisted the services of former Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan, to co-chair his transition team. This move appears to be a direct challenge to big tech, even before he officially assumes office.
New York's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (D) announced on Wednesday that he has appointed former Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan to co-lead his transition team. Khan, who served as the FTC Chair during the Biden administration, will co-chair the Mamdani transition alongside three other seasoned New York City Hall veterans, as per the mayor-elect's statement.
In a statement, Khan expressed her enthusiasm for the task ahead, New Yorkers sent a clear message this week that its time to build a city that working people can actually afford. Im excited to help Zohran build a team that will usher in a new era for New York City and set a new model for Democratic governance.
Indeed, a new era seems to be on the horizon - an era that may see the city's most astute residents fleeing New York City if they haven't already. Less than a day after the election results were announced, at least one prominent city figure has already thrown in the towel. This decision is hardly surprising, especially considering President Trump's intentions to clamp down on what he perceives as the city's most ill-advised mayoral choice to date.
Khan's appointment, however, does not come without its potential pitfalls for Mamdani:
Khan was a pivotal and contentious figure in former President Bidens antitrust and consumer protection agenda. As FTC chair, she intensified scrutiny of corporate mergers while leading administration efforts to protect Americans from unjust business practices, such as junk fees and mandatory arbitration clauses.
While Khans efforts to curb corporate power were lauded by progressives, the Biden administrations assertive approach towards Big Tech also contributed to the political shift of several major Silicon Valley figures towards the right.
The significant shift of tech leaders towards Trump can be partially attributed to Khan's actions. In the forthcoming Mamdani mayoral administration, given the likely composition of his team, Khan may emerge as one of the more moderate members. However, with Zohran Mamdani pulling the political Overton Window of New York City to the left, Khan's perceived moderation may be a relative concept.
Born in London to Pakistani immigrant parents, Lina Khan's education and career have consistently reinforced her "progressive" credentials. It is almost certain that she will secure a position in the impending Mamdani mayor's office once the transition concludes.
If Khan is representative of the caliber of individuals Mamdani intends to recruit, New York City may be facing a more profound crisis than initially anticipated.
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