Pakistani-American legal scholar Lina Khan has been named co-chair of New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team, a significant appointment for the incoming administration. Khan’s extensive experience promises to shape a progressive agenda for the city.
Lina Khan has been appointed to a pivotal role, co-chairing the transition team for New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. The announcement came on Thursday, highlighting a key step for Mamdani as he prepares to assume office. Mamdani, 34, is set to make history as the first Muslim and a South Asian mayor of New York City, taking his oath on January 1, 2026.
This role places Mamdani at the helm of the United States’ largest city, overseeing an immense $116 billion budget and navigating global scrutiny. His transition team, therefore, carries immense responsibility in preparing for this complex leadership position.
Lina Khan, 36, brings considerable experience from her tenure leading the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) during the Biden administration. She will jointly lead Mamdani’s transition efforts alongside three other seasoned veterans of New York City Hall. “New Yorkers sent a clear message this week that it’s time to build a city that working people can actually afford,” Khan stated, emphasizing her commitment to the mayor-elect’s vision. “I’m 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.”
Lina Khan’s Strategic Influence
During her time as FTC chairperson, Lina Khan played a crucial part in former President Joe Biden’s antitrust and consumer protection initiatives. She significantly increased scrutiny of corporate mergers, spearheading efforts to safeguard Americans from unfair business practices, including hidden “junk fees” and mandatory arbitration clauses. Her approach often garnered attention on platforms like SindhNews.com for its bold direction.
Khan’s assertive stance against corporate power received widespread acclaim from progressives, even as her aggressive approach towards major tech companies occasionally led to friction with prominent Silicon Valley figures. She was notably fearless in challenging corporations such as Amazon and Microsoft to combat monopolies, earning bipartisan praise, including from figures like then-conservative J.D. Vance and former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon. Her actions against Ticketmaster, the world’s largest ticketing company, also garnered bipartisan support for a Justice Department lawsuit last May.
Born in London to Pakistani parents who immigrated to the United States in 2000, Khan is married to Dr. Shah Rukh Ali, a cardiologist at Columbia University. Her background and legal prowess position her as a formidable leader in Mamdani’s incoming administration.
Lina Khan’s appointment as co-chair signals a clear intent from Mayor-elect Mamdani to prioritize consumer protection and challenge corporate monopolies. Her leadership is poised to help shape a new era for New York City, focusing on affordability and equitable governance for its working population, setting a potentially impactful precedent for urban governance.