Mayoral-elect Zohran Mamdani addressed the media today to discuss key topics ahead of his transition into office on January 1, 2026.

"Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers are just one rent hike, one medical emergency, one layoff from joining the ranks of the homeless in our city, which have swelled to the greatest numbers since the Great Depression," Mamdani said.

A big topic discussed was NYC's homeless population and how Mamdani has spoken in favor of ending encampment sweeps. However, Gov. Kathy Hochul has spoken out against ending encampment sweeps.

When News 12 asked Mamdani what his response to the governor's comments was, he replied, "I do not think that leaving New Yorkers to sleep in the cold is the answer. I also don't think that pushing those New Yorkers to sleep elsewhere, in an equally cold setting, is the answer, either. I think the answer is connecting those New Yorkers with housing."

Mamdani said he met with real estate business leaders to discuss roadblocks to building more affordable housing. He said he wants to build as much housing as possible across the five boroughs.

The mayor-elect also mentioned he raised 95% of his $4 million goal to help fund his transition into City Hall. He plans to raise additional revenue by increasing income and corporate taxes.