New York City’s incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani has sparked an extraordinary wave of interest before even stepping into City Hall. His transition team revealed that more than 50,000 people have already applied through the official portal, transition2025.com, hoping to secure a role in the administration he promises will put working people at the centre of city governance. The portal launched on 5 November 2025, making the surge all the more striking given the short timeframe.
A surge driven by Zohran Mamdani ’s election campaign
For Mamdani, the overwhelming applicant pool is not merely a hiring challenge. He views it as proof that the grassroots energy behind his campaign has continued into the transition. In a written statement, he described the response as “the excitement at the heart of this movement,” presenting the numbers as evidence that thousands believe in the possibility of a more affordable and more equitable New York.His transition’s executive director, Elana Leopold, shared the same view and called the 50,000 applicants a sign of the strength and momentum behind the incoming administration.
A call for New Yorkers from all walks of life
The transition team has invited applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, from policy veterans and experienced civil servants to community organisers and early-career hopefuls. Mamdani’s message has remained consistent: anyone committed to his affordability agenda is welcome to contribute.The team is co-chaired by five women, including former City Hall officials and a former Federal Trade Commission chair. Their leadership reflects significant experience in public service and regulatory oversight. The team has explained that applications remain open as they search for candidates to fill roles in policy development, community engagement, administration and citywide service delivery.
Early appointments signal direction
Mamdani has already begun building his senior leadership. Dean Fuleihan, a former First Deputy Mayor with significant fiscal and administrative experience, has been appointed once again to the same role. Elle Bisgaard-Church, who served as Mamdani’s campaign manager and his chief of staff in the Assembly, has been named Chief of Staff. Her appointment reflects continuity within his core political team.Mamdani has also expressed interest in retaining the current NYPD Commissioner, Jessica Tisch. Discussions are still underway and no final decision has been announced. Public safety and policing remain among the most closely watched areas of the transition.
A victory that jolted the political establishment
Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist and state assemblyman from Queens, surprised political observers by winning the city’s mayoral election on 4 November. His campaign focused on tenant protections, transit investment and the growing cost of living. These priorities drew national attention and helped him build a broad coalition of supporters.The surge of applicants suggests significant enthusiasm for his approach, including interest from outside New York City.
Fundraising numbers add to the momentum
The hiring interest comes at the same time as another notable figure. The transition committee raised more than 517,000 dollars from more than 7,000 donors in under 30 hours. The donor count alone exceeded the first-term transitions of Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio combined. This level of support highlights the scale of public engagement with Mamdani’s victory.The combination of rapid fundraising and a high volume of applications has strengthened the view that Mamdani’s election represents both a political shift and a movement that wants to be involved in governing.
What comes next for the 50,000?
Although the interest has been extraordinary, the timeline for hiring remains unclear. The transition team has not yet stated when formal appointments will begin or how many positions will ultimately be available.For now, one thing is evident. The Zohran Effect has created a rare situation in which an incoming administration has far more enthusiastic applicants than available roles. This level of civic engagement is likely to shape the early months of Mamdani’s tenure as he prepares to take office.
