New York, NY – Mayor-elect Zahran Mamdani has announced his upcoming move from a modest apartment in Astoria, Queens, to Gracie Mansion, the official mayoral residence in Manhattan. Mamdani, set to take office on January 1st, will relocate to the historic home later that month.
Gracie Mansion, a landmark built in 1799 overlooking the East River, has served as the official residence for New York City mayors since 1942. While residency is optional, most mayors have chosen to reside there, with Michael Bloomberg being a notable exception (2002-2013).
Mamdani cited security concerns as the primary reason for the move. He noted that he and his wife, artist Rama Douji, would reluctantly leave their two-room apartment, a space filled with cherished memories and connections to their diverse community.
“We will miss so much about our apartment in Astoria,” Mamdani stated in a heartfelt release. “Making dinner together in our kitchen, sharing the elevator with our neighbors in the evening, hearing the music and laughter that permeates the walls.”
During his campaign, Mamdani focused heavily on the issue of affordable housing, promising to address the rising cost of living in the city. His own residence, a $2,300-a-month apartment, drew criticism from opponents who argued that his and his wife’s combined income allowed for more luxurious accommodations.
Mamdani emphasized that Astoria will remain an integral part of his identity and work. “Even when I stop living in Astoria, Astoria will continue to live in me and in the work that I do,” he affirmed, underlining his commitment to staying connected to the community where he began his journey.
