First Muslim Mayor Appoints Pakistani-American Lina M. Khan as Co-Chair of Transition Team

Lina M. Khan as Co-Chair of Transition Team / Photo File (Fortune)

In a historic move, New York City’s first Muslim mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, has appointed Pakistani-American legal expert Lina M. Khan as co-chair of his transition team ahead of officially taking office on January 1, 2026.

At 34, Zohran Mamdani will become the first Muslim and South Asian-origin mayor in New York City’s history — a metropolis known as the largest in the United States, with an annual budget of approximately $116 billion and global administrative influence.

Lina M. Khan, 36, who previously served as Chairperson of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), will lead the transition alongside three senior New York City Hall officials. Her appointment signals the incoming administration’s focus on transparency, economic equity, and inclusive governance.

In her statement, Lina Khan said, “The people of New York have sent a clear message — it’s time to build a city where working-class families can truly thrive.”

Political analysts view Khan’s inclusion as a strong indicator of Mamdani’s progressive and reform-driven agenda, emphasizing social justice, labor rights, and fair economic policy in one of the world’s most influential cities.