Mamdani Backs Menin as Next City Council Speaker Amid Potential Power Struggle.
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has confirmed moderate Councilmember Julie Menin as the next speaker of the city council, sparking questions about how their shared agenda on affordability will play out given Menin's independent background.
Menin secured enough support from fellow councillors to assume the role, which grants her considerable influence over budget negotiations and legislation. Historically, the speaker has clashed with the mayor in a four-year power struggle marked by repeated override of mayoral vetoes.
Mamdani expressed enthusiasm for working closely with Menin on key issues such as affordable housing, childcare, and cost reduction for New Yorkers. During a Thanksgiving meal giveaway event with Al Sharpton's National Action Network, Mamdani acknowledged the shared objectives and commitment to making their vision a reality in one of America's most expensive cities.
Despite his acknowledgment of Menin's leadership role, questions arose regarding potential tensions with other candidates who had supported his campaign, such as Brooklyn Councilmember Crystal Hudson. In contrast, Menin did not endorse Mamdani during his election bid, sparking concerns that she may serve as a check on his ambitious democratic socialist agenda.
Mamdani sidestepped direct answers about whether he could have done more to support other speaker candidates who aligned with his campaign platform. Instead, he reasserted the importance of co-equal governance and working towards an affordability agenda shared by New Yorkers across all parties.
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has confirmed moderate Councilmember Julie Menin as the next speaker of the city council, sparking questions about how their shared agenda on affordability will play out given Menin's independent background.
Menin secured enough support from fellow councillors to assume the role, which grants her considerable influence over budget negotiations and legislation. Historically, the speaker has clashed with the mayor in a four-year power struggle marked by repeated override of mayoral vetoes.
Mamdani expressed enthusiasm for working closely with Menin on key issues such as affordable housing, childcare, and cost reduction for New Yorkers. During a Thanksgiving meal giveaway event with Al Sharpton's National Action Network, Mamdani acknowledged the shared objectives and commitment to making their vision a reality in one of America's most expensive cities.
Despite his acknowledgment of Menin's leadership role, questions arose regarding potential tensions with other candidates who had supported his campaign, such as Brooklyn Councilmember Crystal Hudson. In contrast, Menin did not endorse Mamdani during his election bid, sparking concerns that she may serve as a check on his ambitious democratic socialist agenda.
Mamdani sidestepped direct answers about whether he could have done more to support other speaker candidates who aligned with his campaign platform. Instead, he reasserted the importance of co-equal governance and working towards an affordability agenda shared by New Yorkers across all parties.
. I think she's got some awesome ideas about tackling affordable housing, which would make a HUGE difference in our city 
. Of course, there might be some bumps along the way with Zohran Mamdani, but if they can work together, that'd be amazing 
. We've been hearing so much about affordability and cost reduction - it's high time we see some real change 
. Menin's got a unique voice on this issue, and I'm excited to see how she'll use her position to make our city more livable 
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think this is a bit weird, Menin's independent background seems to be a thing now, but what about all those councillors who supported Mamdani? Are they gonna just sit back and not cause any trouble? also, how's this gonna play out with their shared agenda on affordability? is it like, one person gets to make the decisions on housing and cost reduction or is it a team effort? 
IT'S AMAZING TO SEE TWO LEADERS WHO SHARE A COMMON GOAL OF MAKING AFFORDABILITY WORK FOR EVERYONE IN NYC! 
BUT, I GOTTA WONDER, HOW WILL THEY HANDLE THOSE POWER STRUGGLES AND POTENTIAL TENSIONS WITH OTHER CANDIDATES? 
... think about it, Mamdani gets to have this power struggle with Menin now, just like before, but without his vetoes getting overridden so much... that's just gonna lead to more drama and less actual progress on affordability. And Menin's all about being independent, so I'm not sure she'll play ball with him on their shared agenda... might just try to pull the plug at some point 
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Can't we just focus on affordable housing for once?! I mean, Mamdani's right to have a strong speaker who shares his vision, but what about the others who supported him? Shouldn't they get some love too? Menin's got her work cut out with all those negotiations and legislation... does she even have a layout plan in place for budgeting? 
. think about it, if Mamdani's a dem socialista and Menin isn't affiliated with him, that means they're gonna have to work together on affordability which is kinda cool 
... but what if Menin goes rogue? we saw it happen in the past with speakers vs mayors and it got pretty ugly 
. anyhooz, gotta keep an eye on this one 
. Mamdani seems cool with it though, which is a good sign 
. I'd love to see how their collaboration on affordable housing and childcare plays out - fingers crossed they can make a real difference in NYC 
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And what about Hudson and others who supported Mamdani - are they going to feel left out or ignored? 
. On one hand, it's a nod to their shared values on affordable housing and cost reduction. But on the other hand, it's also kinda weird that she didn't endorse him during his campaign 
. I mean, you'd think they'd have more of a united front, especially since they both got elected in this same election cycle 
. The fact that there are already whispers of potential power struggles is kinda concerning though 
anyway, speaking of affordable housing, have you guys seen those tiny house pods that are popping up everywhere? seems kinda crazy, but maybe it's the future we need?
! But for real tho, this is the kind of drama that happens when people with strong opinions and visions come together. I mean, Zohran Mamdani seems cool with working closely with Julie Menin on affordable housing and stuff, but we gotta keep an eye out for potential tensions with other candidates. It's like in "The West Wing" 
. Anyway, if they can keep their differences under wraps long enough, maybe, just maybe, they'll get some things done around here 
. Not that I'm holding my breath, but hey, a guy can dream, right? 
. Is it possible they were both thinking long-term or something? I mean, Menin's got a lot of sway over the budget and whatnot... that could get interesting if things don't go smoothly between them 
She's going to bring that fire on affordable housing and cost reduction 
Also, gotta give props to Crystal Hudson for speaking up about their campaign promises 
This is shaping up to be an interesting 4-year power struggle