Mamdani’s marketing campaign supervisor, Elle Bisgaard-Church, led a digital briefing Thursday afternoon concerning the candidate’s proposal to determine the so-called Division of Group Security. The decision included a small group of supportive progressive Council members, together with Tiffany Caban of Queens and Sandy Nurse of Brooklyn, in line with sources conversant in the non-public name.
Justin Sanchez, the Democratic candidate for a Bronx seat presently held by Councilman Rafael Salamanca, was additionally in attendance, as was a rep for Brooklyn Councilman Lincoln Restler, sources confirmed. An Albany lawmaker, Bronx state Sen. Gustavo Rivera, attended as properly, in line with the sources.
Zohran Mamdani’s marketing campaign supervisor, Elle Bisgaard-Church, speaks at Mamdani’s Democratic victory get together Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Queens, New York. (Barry Williams/ New York Day by day Information)
It’s uncommon — although not exceptional — for mayoral candidates to start substantive coverage discussions with lawmakers earlier than being elected. The truth that Mamdani’s camp is internet hosting such a gathering factors to his confidence as he polls because the heavy favourite to win the Nov. 4 mayoral election in opposition to impartial candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.
Mamdani will want Council approval so as to launch his proposed Division of Group Security, probably even requiring a member of the chamber to introduce a invoice to determine it.
Thursday’s name was, partially, centered on “setting the foundation for co-governance” with the Council so {that a} plan could be formulated for “real implementation” of the brand new company, a Mamdani marketing campaign supply stated.
Gerardo Romo / NYC Council Media Unit
Metropolis Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. (Gerardo Romo / NYC Council Media Unit)
There was additionally a presentation concerning the company itself that includes particulars concerning the function it could play in making an attempt to fight gun violence, homelessness and town’s psychological well being disaster, the insider stated.
Mamdani’s marketing campaign has beforehand stated it envisions the civilian company having a $1 billion annual price range and being chargeable for responding to psychological well being calls that cops presently deal with whereas additionally enjoying civilian capabilities in making an attempt to struggle the homelessness and gun violence crises.
The considering can be that such a division of labor would liberate NYPD officers to cope with extra severe violent crime, justifying Mamdani’s proposal to maintain police funding flat.
Some critics of Mamdani have questioned the viability of the plan, arguing civilian workers wouldn’t have the ability to take up a few of the capabilities presently dealt with by the police division.
The Mamdani marketing campaign’s dialogue with Council stakeholders additionally got here on the heels of his announcement that he intends to ask Jessica Tisch, Mayor Adams’ NYPD commissioner, to remain on if he’s elected. Adams will not be looking for reelection as he dropped out of the race final month amid report low approval rankings.
Tisch has been criticized by a few of Mamdani’s left-wing allies for embracing public security options seen as too aggressive. For example, she has known as for rolling again the “Raise the Age” regulation that stops juveniles from being prosecuted as adults — a suggestion Mamdani affirmed this week he’s against whilst he says he desires Tisch to remain on as police commissioner.
Tisch hasn’t stated whether or not she’d settle for Mamdani’s provide to stay NYPD commissioner below his potential administration.
It’s additionally unclear how a lot urge for food there may very well be within the chamber subsequent 12 months to log out on the creation of Mamdani’s proposed new company if he’s elected.
A variety of Council members, together with Speaker Adrienne Adams, are leaving workplace on the finish of the 12 months due to time period limits. It’s not but clear who may exchange Adams, however whoever does can have massive sway over whether or not the chamber will prioritize serving to Mamdani with the company plan.
Initially Revealed: October 24, 2025 at 7:14 PM EDT
