Lina Khan, now a distinguished professor at Columbia Law School and former chair of the Federal Trade Commission, just got a big one. She will be one of four co-chairs on mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team for New York City. Known as “the nation’s leading antimonopoly champion,” Khan’s inclusion signals a strong commitment to addressing economic policy and regulation in the city.
Khan also made Mamdani’s case public when he backed his bid in a New York Times op-ed. He specifically lauded Mamdani’s outreach to small business owners. Her appointment comes at a symbolic moment as Mamdani prepares to launch a new platform. Under this initiative, Deliver Justice will increase regulations on delivery apps and improve protections for subcontracted gig workers. On the fiscal side, Mamdani has introduced a 2% millionaire’s tax on all income over $1 million, showing a willingness to embrace a progressive fiscal agenda.
Khan is heading a spirited transition team packed with progressive and diverse leaders. Among them are Grace Bonilla, president and CEO of United Way of New York City, Maria Torres-Springer, immediate past first deputy mayor of New York City, and Melanie Hartzog, president and CEO of the New York Foundling. Collectively, they’re going to steer this transition process in this moment of opportunity as Mamdani gets set to take office.
Khan received her BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania. He had a completely transformative experience as a Princeton in Asia Fellow in Laos. Her time at the FTC made her a national figure for her hardline approach to antitrust, especially in regard to the Big-Tech-Four. Many industry leaders in Silicon Valley criticize her approach. They argue that her regulatory hawkishness is driving the growing chill on acquisition transactions. Billionaire investor Vinod Khosla deemed her “not a rational human being.” This statement goes to the heart of the deeply divided opinions regarding her impact on the tech world.
Douglas Farrar, a spokesperson for Khan, said that she’s dedicated to having a smooth transition process.
“Lina is focused on getting set up to assist the transition on economic policy and personnel.” – Douglas Farrar
Khan’s role on the transition team is critical. This is particularly timely considering today’s economic conditions and the current discussions surrounding big tech regulation. Her presence is a clear signal to Wall Street and the technology industry about what this incoming administration plans to prioritize.
Mamdani’s campaign emphasizes creating “a clear mandate for change where New Yorkers can get ahead, and where all workers and small businesses can thrive — not just get by,” as articulated by Khan. Her vision carries the day with antitrust advocates and it seeks to foster robust, competitive markets that drive greater value for consumers and small businesses.