Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has unveiled the members of his inaugural committee, a move generating discussion across New York City due to the inclusion of children’s media personality Rachel Griffin Accurso—known as Ms. Rachel—and several progressive activists.
The committee, which includes more than 45 advisers, is responsible for planning the Jan. 1 inauguration celebration and providing guidance on early policy priorities.
Notable figures named to the committee include actress and activist Cynthia Nixon, actors John Turturro and Kal Penn, Broadway performer Cole Escola, novelist Min Jin Lee and media personality The Kid Mero.
Griffin Accurso, who specializes in educational content for young children, has drawn scrutiny from Jewish advocacy groups over her past social media statements regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict.
StopAntisemitism, a watchdog organization, has urged a review of whether her channels are funded in ways that could promote messaging aligned with Hamas, the Daily Mail reports.
Griffin Accurso defended her participation and advocacy, emphasizing her commitment to children of all backgrounds.
“I care deeply about families and young children,” she said, highlighting her support for accessible, high-quality childcare in New York City and nationwide.
The committee also features representatives from progressive political organizations such as the NYC Democratic Socialists of America, the Working Families Party and NY Communities for Change.
Several former Obama administration officials are also included.
According to Mamdani’s transition team, committee roles are unpaid and primarily advisory, focusing on the inauguration event and related public programming rather than policy implementation.
Some community members have expressed concern that the committee’s composition does not adequately reflect New York City’s Jewish population.
Jeffrey Wiesenfeld, a former CUNY trustee, criticized the inclusion of Griffin Accurso.
“She brings false charges against Jews. She smears Jews. What a disgrace,” he told the New York Post.
He also noted that some left-leaning Jewish organizations on the panel may hold anti-Israel positions, contributing to wider unease.
This committee announcement comes after prior issues in Mamdani’s transition, including the resignation of Catherine Almonte Da Costa over antisemitic remarks.
Mamdani stressed that the committee is intended to be creative and inclusive, stating, “I’m honored to be joined by some of the most creative and experienced minds in the city as we build an inauguration that is truly by and for New Yorkers.”
The inaugural celebration, titled “Inauguration of a New Era,” will take place along Broadway near City Hall.
The free event will accommodate tens of thousands of attendees, with an RSVP system for in-person participation and a livestream available for remote viewers.
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders (I) and New York Attorney General Letitia James will oversee the swearing-in ceremony.
While not all committee members will attend the event, their input is expected to influence planning and logistical decisions.
As Mamdani prepares to assume office, the composition of his inaugural committee highlights both the diversity of voices in his administration and the tensions surrounding ideological representation in New York City.
The transition team emphasizes that the primary goal is to produce an inclusive, well-organized public celebration that engages the community while marking the city’s next chapter in leadership.
