In Exclusive Interview With ABC 7: Mamdani Says He Met With NYPD Commissioner Tisch, but Her Future Remains Unclear

NEW YORK — Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani said Sunday he recently sat down with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, reaffirming that he wants her to continue leading the department once he takes office — though he acknowledged she has not committed to staying.

“I’ve said throughout the campaign that I hope she remains, and that hasn’t changed,” Mamdani told ABC7’s Bill Ritter. Tisch has so far declined to say publicly whether she would serve in the incoming administration.

Mamdani, who has been working to soften earlier anti-police messaging associated with his democratic socialist base, offered strong praise for Tisch’s stewardship of the NYPD. He also took a swipe at outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, arguing that Tisch inherited a department bogged down by mismanagement.

“She stepped into a situation where the upper ranks were weighed down by problems,” he said, crediting her with restoring discipline and helping drive down crime. “That’s work I’d like to build on.”

Key policy differences still loom. Tisch has argued for expanding the police force, while Mamdani said the current headcount is sufficient. The mayor-elect also reiterated plans to launch a Department of Community Safety, which would take over certain emergency calls involving homelessness and mental health crises — a move many law enforcement officials have warned could put the public and responders at risk.

Mamdani described his meeting with Tisch as focused on strengthening public safety, but he sidestepped questions about whether his political ideology might lead to hands-on oversight of the department.

“This has to be about results,” he said. “New Yorkers deserve a city that is safe and fair — and those goals shouldn’t be seen as conflicting.”