New York City, November 19, 2025
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is launching a campaign to raise $4 million for transition costs as he prepares to take office. This funding will cover staff vetting, team salaries, and inauguration planning. So far, his team has raised over $1 million through grassroots efforts, significantly different from past campaigns that relied on wealthy donors. The fundraising initiative aims to ensure a smooth start to his administration, which is set to begin on January 1.
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani Seeks $4 Million for Transition Fund
New York City – Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has launched a fundraising campaign aiming to raise $4 million to support his transition into City Hall. This initiative seeks to cover expenses such as staff vetting, team salaries, inauguration planning, and policy implementation, ensuring a prompt start to his administration on January 1st.
As of November 18, 2025, Mamdani’s transition team has raised over $1 million from more than 12,000 donors, with an average contribution of approximately $77.65. Unlike previous administrations, Mamdani’s campaign is intentionally avoiding reliance on wealthy donors, emphasizing grassroots support. For comparison, former Mayor Eric Adams’ transition fund had an average donation of $1,219 from 884 donors.
The funds are essential for vetting the 50,000 resumes received, compensating the transition staff, and planning the inauguration and policy rollout. Mamdani expressed hope that, in the near future, he will not need to request additional funds, but until then, he is seeking support from the public.
Transition fundraising is a critical component of preparing for a new administration, covering costs related to staffing, office setup, and the inauguration event. The New York City Campaign Finance Board outlines that such funds can be used for expenses like seeking and selecting city office staff, temporary office furniture and rent, payroll and consulting fees, phone bills, and seminars related to city government and elected service. Inauguration expenses may include catering, entertainment, payroll, invitations, rental fees, decorations, advertising, transportation, and photography for the single permitted inauguration event.
As Mamdani’s inauguration approaches, the success of this fundraising effort will play a pivotal role in facilitating a smooth transition and the effective implementation of his policy agenda.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Zohran Mamdani’s fundraising goal for his transition into City Hall?
Zohran Mamdani aims to raise $4 million to support his transition into City Hall, covering expenses such as staff vetting, team salaries, inauguration planning, and policy implementation.
How much has Mamdani’s transition team raised so far?
As of November 18, 2025, Mamdani’s transition team has raised over $1 million from more than 12,000 donors, with an average contribution of approximately $77.65.
How does Mamdani’s fundraising approach differ from previous administrations?
Mamdani’s campaign is intentionally avoiding reliance on wealthy donors, emphasizing grassroots support. For comparison, former Mayor Eric Adams’ transition fund had an average donation of $1,219 from 884 donors.
What expenses will the transition funds cover?
The funds are essential for vetting the 50,000 resumes received, compensating the transition staff, and planning the inauguration and policy rollout, ensuring a prompt start to Mamdani’s administration on January 1st.
What does the New York City Campaign Finance Board say about transition fundraising?
The New York City Campaign Finance Board outlines that transition funds can be used for expenses like seeking and selecting city office staff, temporary office furniture and rent, payroll and consulting fees, phone bills, and seminars related to city government and elected service. Inauguration expenses may include catering, entertainment, payroll, invitations, rental fees, decorations, advertising, transportation, and photography for the single permitted inauguration event.
Key Features of Zohran Mamdani’s Transition Fundraising Effort
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fundraising Goal | $4 million |
| Amount Raised So Far | Over $1 million |
| Number of Donors | More than 12,000 |
| Average Donation | Approximately $77.65 |
| Fundraising Approach | Emphasis on grassroots support, avoiding reliance on wealthy donors |
| Comparison to Previous Administrations | Former Mayor Eric Adams’ transition fund had an average donation of $1,219 from 884 donors |
| Planned Use of Funds | Vetting 50,000 resumes, compensating transition staff, planning inauguration and policy implementation |
| New York City Campaign Finance Board Guidelines | Transition funds can cover expenses like staffing, office setup, and inauguration events |
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