‘Those Who Can Leave Will’: Mamdani, ‘Partner In The Hammer And Sickle’ In For Rude Awakening, Says Campaign Vet

New York City's Social Democratic Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has named two of his administration's top advisers as he prepares to take the Big Apple in a decidedly leftward direction that could send some residents fleeing.

Mamdani announced his current chief of staff as Elle Bisgor-Church, a fellow Democratic Socialist of America (DPO) member, will remain in this position when he becomes mayor. He also announced that Dean Fuleikhan will become his new first deputy mayor. served in the same role during former Mayor Bill de Blasio's second term. Elected Mayor presented Bisgaard-Church, 34, and Fuleihan, 74, at a news conference on Monday where he spoke of the need to “transform” the city and implement his left-leaning campaign. promises.

A campaign veteran told the Daily Caller News Foundation that he believes Mamdani's longtime right-hand man and de BlasioThe bureaucrats of the last century will “support each other” in the avowed socialist's plan to remake New York in his image.

“If you're a radical who's out to disrupt the system and turn it into a socialist utopia, you need somebody who understands the rules and the laws and the things that are currently on the books that you have to change,” Mark Lotter, co-host of Newsmax TV's “Wake Up America” ​​who worked on President Donald Trump's 2016 and 2020 campaigns, told DCNF. (RELATED: 'Angry Mamdani': Future socialist mayor braces for harsh reality check, analysts say)

“You just can't come in and do it. Even if you do it at the behest of the president or work through the council, you still have to know what to change and how to do it. So, you need someone who is a tactician and also someone who is a full partner in the hammer and sickle to make it possible,” Lotter added, referring to the famous communist symbol.

During a press conference on Monday, Mamdani spoke about Bisgor-Church, which managed to run a successful Democratic Party campaign on June 24. elementary campaign as “unparalleled”.

“Few have played a more important role in this movement or in every victory we have achieved together in [New York State] Assembly than Elle,” said the elected mayor.

“The new administration offers a bold vision coupled with decisive realism,” Bisgaard-Church said at the same news conference. “We are creative in our outlook, energized and working very hard and deeply invested in the future of this great city because we are going to be here for a long time.”

Mamdani's team called Bisgor Church the “chief architect” of the mayor-elect's proposed Department of Public Safety, CBS News reported Monday. Planned department aims to replace some police officers with “outreach workers” in subway stations across the city.

Although Mamdani earlier defended For deprivation of funding New York Police Department (NYPD), he proposed At the October 16 mayoral debate, he said he would not do so if elected mayor. He also said several times during the campaign, he plans to retain current NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, whom outgoing Mayor Eric Adams appointed at the end of 2024.

Moments of opportunity like this are rare, and together with Dean and Elle, we will seize them to usher in a new day for New York. pic.twitter.com/MW9QVKaLmc

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) November 10, 2025

Lotter, who commutes to New York City, told DCNF that the possibility of the Mamdani administration creating the department among other left-wing policies is “a big concern.”

“You can look anywhere in the world and see that socialism does not work and that it is a failure, and yet it is now being tried as an experiment in the largest population center in the United States of America,” he said. “And I also think it shows that those who can leave will leave. They're not going to put up with it.”

A campaign veteran suggested Mamdani's socialist platform could lead to the flight of individuals and businesses from a city widely seen as the center of American capitalism and the financial industry.

“You know, it's not like it was 20 or 30 years ago. Nobody, whether you're a billionaire or a corporation or a CEO, has to be here anymore. You can work remotely,” Lotter said. “You are no longer required to be physically located in New York City.” (RELATED: 'The Mamdani Effect is Real': Wealthy New Yorkers Prepare to Flee to Florida as Socialist Zohran Mamdani Leads Polls)

Meet new First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan and Chief of Staff Elle Bisgaard-Church.

Together, they will lead the effort to advance our affordability agenda and create an administration that is competent, bold and effective for the people of this city. pic.twitter.com/j99AyOEuhm

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) November 10, 2025

Survey conducted by JL Partners for the Daily Mail at the end of October. found that 9% of New Yorkers said they would “definitely” leave and 25% would “consider” leaving the Big Apple if Mamdani wins.

Political strategist Adam Weiss reported to DCNF on November 5, the day after Mamdani's speech. electionsthat a socialist divisive rhetoric could trigger an exodus from New York.

“I think a few days ago I said, ‘I don’t think people are going anywhere. I think it's a big conversation right now,” Weiss said. “But if he continues this evil Mandaninot to welcome business leaders, not to sit at the table with Jewish leaders, not to sit at the table with Republicans, conservatives… by treating residents this way, we have 50 states where people can go.”

Lotter called Mamdani a “model of failure” of the socialist system.

“You can have a lot of great ideas, but there’s not much you can do about it,” he told DCNF. “And I'm sure he [Mamdani] will do everything he can. But you know, Margaret Thatcher said the problem with socialism is that sooner or later you run out of other people’s money.”

“Well, he's about to learn the realities of that. And I think his young supporters who didn't like the price of beer are about to face the harsh reality of the difference between campaign speeches, lofty vision and reality,” Lotter added, referring to $13. price Pabst Blue Ribbon beer at Mamdani's victory party.

“I've worked on dozens of campaigns in my career. I can tell you that campaigning is much easier than managing,” Lotter said. “Running a campaign is all about selling an idea and a few key bumper sticker slogans, but when it comes to actually doing the work or even trying to deliver on the promises you made during the campaign, that’s the hardest part.”

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