The political landscape in New York is set for a significant shift with the announcement that Lina Khan, the formidable former chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), has been appointed to the transition team of the city's mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani. This move, confirmed at a press conference on 5 November, signals an ambitious and potentially disruptive approach to governance that is already drawing strong reactions from corporate powerhouses.
From Federal Regulator to City Advisor
Lina Khan is no stranger to the national stage. In 2021, at just 32 years old, she was appointed by President Joe Biden to lead the FTC, a role she held until Donald Trump's return to the White House. Her tenure was marked by a bold mandate to revitalise the agency, and she delivered tangible results for American consumers.
Among her most notable achievements were slashing the price of inhalers by confronting pharmaceutical price gouging, blocking a major supermarket merger, and securing the return of more than $60 million in unpaid tips to Amazon drivers. She accomplished this in just four years, often while navigating a resistant bureaucracy.
A History of Taking on Powerful Opponents
Khan's appointment is a clear signal that Mamdani's administration is prepared for opposition. Khan, who first gained prominence for her critiques of big tech monopolies, has extensive experience dealing with influential adversaries. After her confirmation with bipartisan support, companies like Meta and Amazon sought to have her recuse herself from investigations into their practices.
The resistance was not confined to corporate boardrooms. During the 2024 presidential race, two billionaire Democratic donors publicly urged Kamala Harris to fire Khan if she won. Even comedian Jon Stewart claimed that Apple was resistant to him interviewing the FTC chair on his podcast due to her views.
What This Means for New York's Future
The grumbling from Big Tech and Wall Street executives about Khan's latest role has already begun, with some viewing it as a "shot across the bow." For supporters of Mamdani's progressive agenda, this is precisely the point. Khan's proven track record of standing up to corporate power and delivering for ordinary people suggests that the mayor-elect's flagship policies will be pursued with tenacity.
Her presence on the transition team, which notably comprises five women, indicates that New York is under new management, ready to challenge established interests and prioritise consumer and worker protection in one of the world's most powerful cities.
