Zohran Mamdani, the 34‑year‑old mayoral front‑runner, said on Friday that NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch will be on his side if he wins the New York City election. The claim came during an interview on the Hell Gate podcast, where Mamdani faced questions about whether Tisch, who has often opposed tough criminal‑justice reforms, will support his plans for a new Department of Public Safety.
The podcast host, Christopher Robbins, reminded Mamdani that many supporters watch for police reforms. “Lots of people who back you care about criminal‑justice reform—and for the past year, the commissioner’s been putting up a wall,” Robbins said. He asked why Mamdani thinks Tisch will stay with him.
Mamdani replied that Tisch has already moved on many of the same ideas, such as forming a Department of Public Safety. He also said that the commissioner could help keep the controversial gang database alive while the city tackles low‑level offenses. However, Robbins remained skeptical. “Will she reverse her position on all those things?” he asked.
Mamdani said, “I think everyone will follow my lead. I’ll be the mayor.” He tried to ease fears that his relationship with Tisch could echo former Mayor Bill De Blasio’s rocky partnership with ex‑NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton, who resigned after heated disputes over policing policy.
Despite the confidence, Mamdani admitted he hasn’t had an informal conversation with Tisch since July. “I haven’t had a private conversation with her on that,” he told CNN on Sunday. Tisch has stayed quiet about the mayoral race so far.
The crux of Mamdani’s policing vision—creating a Department of Public Safety—depends on full commissioner support. As the New York City mayoral race heats up, voters will be watching whether Mamdani can turn a potentially wary police leader into an ally, or whether their differences will surface on City Hall.
Source: New York Post
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