Mamdani, the incoming mayor, will transition from his Astoria apartment to Gracie Mansion.

Mayor-Elect Zoran Mamdani to Move from Rent-Stabilized Apartment

On Monday, Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani announced that he plans to leave his rent-stabilized apartment in Astoria shortly after he takes office in January.

Mamdani, who is 34, and his wife will relocate to Gracie Mansion, which is quite a leap from their current modest one-bedroom dwelling to the historic residence by the East River.

“My wife Rama and I have decided to move to Gracie Mansion in January,” Mamdani shared in a post on X. He explained that the choice was motivated by “the safety of our families and the importance of staying committed to enacting the affordability agenda that New Yorkers voted for.”

Mamdani’s Fundraising Strategy

In addition to his move, Mamdani is asking his supporters for $4 million in transitional funds, emphasizing he intends to avoid wealthy donors.

He recently posted a picture of a miniature version of Gracie Mansion that he saw at the New York Botanical Garden. “I went to the New York Botanical Garden train show last week and saw our new home!” he noted.

Typically, New York City’s mayors settle into their Upper East Side mansions; however, this transition marks a significant change for Mamdani and his wife, Rama Dowaj. Their housing situation had been a significant topic during the mayoral race.

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo previously critiqued Mamdani for living in rent-stabilized housing at $2,300 a month, suggesting that his nearly $142,000 salary as a state legislator was too high for such arrangements.

Reflections on Gracie Mansion

Gracie Mansion, an impressive 225-year-old structure, is among the oldest wooden buildings in the city still used today. It boasts over 10,000 square feet, including five bedrooms, a grand ballroom, and remarkable views of the East River.

Mamdani expressed that he will miss his Astoria home, sharing his fondness for the community he has become part of over the last few years.

“My priority has always been to serve the people who call this city home,” he remarked. “I will be mayor for the Steinway linecocks, the kids swinging at Dutch Kills Playground, and the bus passengers waiting for Q101. I may no longer live in Astoria, but Astoria will always live in me and in my work.”