New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced on the 8th that he and his wife Rama Duwaji will officially move into the Mayor’s official residence, Gracie Mansion, located in the Upper East Side after they are sworn in on January 1, 2026.
In his statement, Mamdani mentioned that the decision to move was primarily based on considerations for the safety of his family and his desire to fully focus on implementing affordable policies supported by the people of New York.
He had not been clear on whether he would reside in the official residence in the past, although he had hinted at the possibility during the election campaign. The announcement signifies that he will be moving out of his rent-stabilized apartment in Astoria, Queens, which costs around $2,300 per month.
Identified as a Democratic Socialist (DSA), Mamdani has long advocated for rent freezes and expanding affordable housing. Despite having a six-figure salary as a state legislator, he has lived in a rent-stabilized apartment for many years, which was heavily criticized by his opponents during the campaign.
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo accused him of misusing resources by occupying a rent-stabilized apartment, arguing that as someone from an affluent family background, he should not occupy housing meant for low-income individuals. Mamdani responded by stating that his income was only $47,000 before being elected in 2020 and he was unaware initially that his residence fell under the rent-stabilized range.
His spokesperson confirmed that he would be vacating the apartment directly without subletting or transferring the lease.
Gracie Mansion, the Mayor’s official residence, was built in the 18th century and has been used as the official residence by most New York City mayors, except for former Mayor Michael Bloomberg who opted to stay in his townhouse. For the Mamdani couple, the move from a one-bedroom apartment to the 11,000 square foot Gracie Mansion with a river-view lawn and professional kitchen staff represents a significant lifestyle change.
However, Mamdani emphasized in his statement that even though he is leaving Astoria, his emotional ties to the community will not diminish. He stated, “Although I will no longer reside in Astoria, Astoria will always live in my heart and be reflected in the work I do.”
Mamdani reiterated that his focus on governance will be on serving all residents, especially marginalized working-class individuals and communities in the city.