Mayor Zohran Mamdani used a media availability at Gracie Mansion to mark what he called a personal milestone and a civic obligation: moving into the mayoral residence while promising to keep it, in his words, “the people’s house.” Standing in the garden on moving day—his first night sleeping at the mansion—Mr. Mamdani, joined by his wife, Rama, framed the residence as a public asset with a long, utilitarian history, citing past uses ranging from language classes for immigrants to community workshops. He said the new administration intends to be “custodians” rather than owners, signaling that changes would be less about aesthetics than about ensuring the space reflects the city’s civic fabric and is more accessible to New Yorkers who typically do not visit.
In a lighter exchange that underscored his populist brand, the mayor fielded questions about the household basics: he joked about the “ghost” that some say haunts Gracie Mansion, floated an “aspirational” plan to install a bidet, and said he is getting allergy shots in hopes of adopting a cat. He also said his dietary preferences include “no pork,” and offered an early pick for bagels and lox on the Upper East Side. Asked about a note reportedly left by former Mayor Eric Adams, Mr. Mamdani said he had not found it and would go looking.
The questioning quickly moved from the personal to policy, with Mr. Mamdani previewing his return to Albany for the governor’s State of the State and budget rollout. He characterized the city-state relationship as historically “framed more by dysfunction” than shared priorities, and said he would soon have more to share about his approach—particularly as he touted a partnership with the governor to begin delivering universal child care in New York City. Pressed on taxation and ideas such as corporate taxes, he did not commit to specifics, saying discussions would continue as part of a broader affordability agenda and the city’s fiscal health. He also indicated he would raise related priorities with legislative leaders, including questions around transit affordability.
Mr. Mamdani also confronted more charged issues, including antisemitism and immigration enforcement. He said his administration is looking to fill a city position tied to combating antisemitism and argued that condemning extremist language and support for terrorist organizations is a baseline obligation, one he said he intends to demonstrate through actions as well as words. On federal enforcement, he emphasized adherence to New York City’s sanctuary policies, saying the city cannot coordinate with ICE to enter city property absent a judicial warrant, while noting that certain cooperation with federal authorities is permitted in cases involving serious crimes. He criticized immigration raids as “cruel and inhumane,” arguing they generate anxiety among New Yorkers without improving public safety—an argument he said he has raised both publicly and directly with President Donald Trump.
NYC Mayor’s Office
Mayor Zohran Mamdani Holds Media Availability at Gracie Mansion
Gracie Mansion East End Ave & 88th Street New York, NY
January 12, 2026