Full Breakdown
Resignation of Key Appointee in Mamdani Administration Over Antisemitic Posts
12/20/2025, 12:40:41 AM
Announcement of Deputy Mayors and Key Appointments
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced two deputy mayors on Staten Island: Leila Bozorg as deputy mayor for housing and Julie Su as deputy mayor for economic justice. This announcement took place at a Department of Sanitation garage being converted into over 200 units of affordable housing. Mamdani emphasized the importance of addressing housing issues, stating, "When most New Yorkers think about what causes them the most anxiety... housing is so often the answer." Su, previously acting U.S. labor secretary, will focus on tackling inequality and unfair labor practices in her new role.
Resignation of Catherine Almonte Da Costa
Catherine Almonte Da Costa, appointed as the director of appointments in Mamdani's administration, resigned just one day after her announcement. Her resignation followed the resurfacing of antisemitic posts from her past on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) described as "echoing classic antisemitic tropes." Da Costa expressed deep remorse for her past statements, stating, "These statements are not indicative of who I am," and offered her resignation to avoid becoming a distraction from the administration's work.
Official Statements & Responses
Mamdani accepted Da Costa's resignation, acknowledging her remorse and the need for changes in the administration's vetting process. He stated, "There are clear changes that need to be made, and that's exactly what we're doing right now." The ADL's New York and New Jersey chapter criticized Da Costa's posts, calling them "indefensible" and demanding accountability from both her and Mamdani. Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, welcomed Da Costa's resignation, labeling her views as "unacceptable and intolerable."
Criticism & Opposition
Mamdani's administration has faced scrutiny from Jewish groups due to his past criticisms of the Israeli government and concerns over rising antisemitism. Polls indicate that many Jewish voters did not support Mamdani, with fears that his leadership could compromise safety for the Jewish community in New York City, which has the largest Jewish population outside of Israel. The ADL has launched an antisemitism tracker for Mamdani's administration, reflecting ongoing concerns about his stance on Jewish issues.
What's Next
As Mamdani prepares to take office on January 1, 2025, he faces the challenge of addressing significant budget deficits while fulfilling his campaign promises, including a four-year rent freeze for over 2 million tenants. The resignation of Da Costa highlights the importance of careful vetting in his administration as it seeks to build a diverse and competent team to tackle the city's pressing issues.
