Zohran Mamdani swaps rent-stabilised flat for Gracie Mansion

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will move into the historic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that became a flashpoint during his election campaign.

The Manhattan waterfront residence, built in 1799, has served as the official home of most New York City mayors since the Second World War. Mamdani, who centred his campaign on affordable housing, did not immediately confirm after his November victory whether he would live there.

In a statement issued on Monday, he said the decision was driven by safety and responsibility.

“This decision came down to our family’s safety and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for,” he said.

Until now, Mamdani has lived in Astoria, Queens, a neighbourhood known for its middle-class communities, immigrant roots and global food scene. In a farewell message, he thanked the area for shaping his outlook and work.

“While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will always live inside me and the work I do,” he said.

Housing debate followed Mamdani on the campaign trail

Mamdani tied his pledge to freeze rents directly to his own housing situation during the campaign. But rivals, including former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, criticised him for occupying a rent-stabilised apartment despite coming from a prominent family.

He is the son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani.

His Astoria apartment was rent stabilised, meaning annual rent increases were capped by city law. Records show he paid about $2,300 (£1,725) a month. Zillow estimates the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City at around $3,500 (£2,625).

Inside New York’s most famous mayoral residence

Gracie Mansion, painted butter yellow with green shutters and white railings, overlooks the East River and is one of the city’s most recognisable political homes. The Federal-style mansion reportedly has five bedrooms and enhanced security.

Not every mayor has chosen to live there. Former mayor Michael Bloomberg remained in his private Upper East Side townhouse during his three terms, saying the mansion should be reserved for public functions. He later oversaw a major renovation of the ageing property.

Mamdani is expected to move into Gracie Mansion around his inauguration on 1 January, trading his modest Queens apartment for one of New York’s most historic addresses.

The mansion has also gained a reputation for being haunted. Chirlane McCray, wife of former mayor Bill de Blasio, once said doors would open and close on their own, while floorboards creaked mysteriously.

Aasiya Nazir