Mamdani Retains Tisch as NYC Police Commissioner Amid Mixed Reactions

Thu Nov 20 2025 00:16:10 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has successfully persuaded Jessica Tisch to continue as NYC Police Commissioner, a decision that signals a potential shift in the city's approach to policing while sparking debate among progressives.

Newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that Jessica Tisch will remain as police commissioner, providing a sense of stability amid his progressive agenda. While Mamdani’s history of criticizing the NYPD raised concerns about potential radical changes, Tisch’s continuing leadership may ease fears among business leaders and moderate factions. However, the choice has drawn backlash from some of Mamdani's progressive supporters who anticipated larger reforms in the police department. Mamdani's partnership with Tisch reflects a complex political alliance as he looks to reshape public safety measures.

NEW YORK—Newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Wednesday that current Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch has agreed to remain in her position, which is a significant victory for Mamdani as he addresses concerns over his past criticisms of the police department.

As a democratic socialist, Mamdani had previously called for the defunding of the NYPD, making Tisch's retention a crucial decision for his administration. He praised Tisch’s efforts in tackling police corruption and reducing crime, suggesting a commitment to a balanced approach to policing.

Tisch’s decision to continue in her role may alleviate concerns among city business leaders and more conservative constituents who were anxious that Mamdani’s reformist rhetoric could lead to instability within the NYPD. However, this announcement has not pleased some of the progressives who supported Mamdani’s election, as they expected a more substantial overhaul of the police leadership.

Political Alignments and Ideological Differences

The appointment highlights a budding political alliance between Mamdani, known for his progressive ideology, and Tisch, an establishment figure with nearly two decades of service. While Mamdani aims to delegate certain police responsibilities to mental health professionals, Tisch has advocated for increasing the number of police officers in the department.

Despite their differing views, Tisch expressed confidence in her ability to lead under Mamdani’s mayoralty, emphasizing shared priorities such as public safety and crime reduction. Both officials made a joint appearance at a memorial event for fallen officers, choosing not to address their past differences in public.

Assessment of Tisch’s Tenure

Appointed last November amid a backdrop of controversy within the police department, Tisch has overseen a notable decrease in crime rates in the city. Her tenure has been marked by significant reforms and reassignment of high-ranking officials, suggesting her intent to navigate the department through tumultuous times effectively.

The response to Tisch’s continuation has been mixed among Mamdani’s supporters. Groups advocating for police reform view her appointment as a contradiction to Mamdani’s promises, while others, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, have endorsed the decision, framing it as a move that may prevent federal interference in local matters.

As Mamdani prepares for his leadership role, he has brought in experienced personnel for his administration, indicating his strategic approach to governance amidst the complexities presented by the city’s police dynamics.