NEW YORK (Diya TV) — Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s mayor-elect, is seeking guidance from top Democratic governors as he prepares to take office and define his relationship with President Donald Trump. Multiple sources familiar with the conversations say Mamdani has reached out to several leaders who have clashed with Trump and managed high-pressure governing challenges. His goal is to learn how to navigate governing in a tense national political climate and strengthen New York City’s position ahead of his inauguration.
Mamdani has recently spoken with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Sources say the calls occurred in the days surrounding the election, with some happening as recently as this week. All three governors have experience confronting Trump over policies affecting their states.
Pritzker offered insight into his past confrontations with Trump. Their discussion included Trump’s threats to send federal troops into Chicago and how Pritzker pushed back. He also shared advice on preparing for similar scenarios should Trump attempt a federal incursion into New York City. Trump has repeatedly criticized Democratic-run cities, often calling them “in bad shape,” and has pledged on social media to “straighten them out.”
During their conversation, Mamdani and Pritzker also talked about affordability. Both men have made economic relief central to their agendas. Sources say they exchanged ideas on how to keep housing and essential services within reach for residents.
Mamdani spoke with Moore on election night. He praised Moore’s work in cutting red tape in Maryland and highlighted the governor’s success in speeding up government programs. The two leaders also discussed innovation in public services and strategies for standing up to Trump.
Earlier this year, Moore criticized the Trump administration for failing to protect residents during the government shutdown. He released $62 million to ensure Marylanders received their full November SNAP benefits. Moore said no state government can make up for gaps left by federal inaction, a point that resonated with Mamdani as he prepares to manage New York City’s safety-net programs.
Mamdani also reached out to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro before Election Day. Shapiro told Semafor he had a “healthy dialogue” with the mayor-elect and cleared the air after criticizing Mamdani’s campaign over the summer. In July, Shapiro said the campaign left “far too much space for extremists,” a remark that created tension between them.
Campaign aides familiar with the call say Shapiro and Mamdani discussed permitting reform and the reconstruction of Interstate 87, a key transportation artery running through New York. Shapiro has also been vocal about federal delays in restoring SNAP benefits in his state during the shutdown. Trump has called Shapiro “highly overrated” in recent online posts.
Mamdani is expected to continue reaching out to national and state leaders before taking office. He told NBC New York that he plans to contact the White House because the relationship between the mayor’s office and the presidency will be “critical to the success of this city.”
Trump has sharply criticized Mamdani throughout the campaign. He called him a “communist” after the election, a label Mamdani rejected. Mamdani identifies as a Democratic socialist and says his agenda focuses on affordability, public safety, and strengthening city services.
Despite their exchanges, Trump has hinted he is open to limited cooperation. He said he is willing to help Mamdani “a little bit, maybe,” though he continues to attack Democratic leaders who oppose his policies.
