After weeks of people talking about it, New York City's new Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, said on Monday he will live in Gracie Mansion. He will move there when he starts his job in January. Mamdani lives now in a rented apartment in Astoria, Queens. He explained that his family needs the safety of the official home. He also said it will help him focus on his important plans for the city. During his campaign, his living situation was a big topic for his political opponents.
Gracie Mansion is a large, old house by the East River. It has been the mayor's home since 1942. Mayors usually live there, but they do not have to. For example, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg did not live there. Mamdani's choice means he will live there like most mayors before him.
This decision is important for Mamdani. During his campaign, he was known as a person from a normal, working neighborhood. His affordable apartment showed he understood the city's housing problems. Because of this, some critics said his wealthy family background did not match his support for renters.
Mamdani answered these critics. He said, "This decision came down to our family’s safety and... focusing on my agenda for affordable living." He also told people, "While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will always live inside me." Mayors and their families often need extra protection, which Gracie Mansion provides.
Moving to Gracie Mansion is a big change. He will go from being a community activist to the city's leader. People will watch to see if living in this famous house changes his connection to regular New Yorkers. His real test will be making good policies for affordable housing while living in a very different part of the city.