Mamdani's Retention of Police Commissioner Tisch Sparks Criticism Over Policing Stance

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's decision to retain Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, announced on November 19, 2025, has drawn immediate scrutiny and criticism from some progressive circles. The move, seen by many as a pragmatic shift, contrasts sharply with Mamdani's previous calls to defund the New York Police Department (NYPD). Journalist Lee Fang notably described the decision as a "huge step backwards for Mamdani," stating in a tweet, > "This guy wants to defund and abolish policing. You can find him wherever prep school lefties congregate, zero working class New Yorkers adhere to these ideas."

Mamdani, a democratic socialist, had previously advocated for significant changes to policing in New York. In a June 2020 tweet, he stated, "We don't need an investigation to know that the NYPD is racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety. What we need is to #DefundTheNYPD." During his mayoral campaign, however, he moderated his stance, emphasizing collaboration with the police while proposing a new Department of Community Safety to handle mental health crises and expand violence prevention programs. He also indicated in September 2025 that he would apologize for past remarks describing the NYPD as racist.

Commissioner Tisch, appointed by the previous administration, holds views that often diverge from Mamdani's progressive platform. She has consistently championed traditional law enforcement methods, advocating for increased officer hiring, supporting the Strategic Response Group, and emphasizing the importance of the department's gang database. Tisch has also been a vocal critic of state bail and discovery laws, arguing they contribute to recidivism, a position at odds with Mamdani's view that the pandemic, not these laws, caused crime spikes.

Despite their ideological differences, the two leaders have agreed to work together. Mamdani aims to maintain the current officer headcount, eliminate the Strategic Response Group, and empower the Civilian Complaint Review Board with final disciplinary authority, a point of contention with Tisch who seeks to retain ultimate control over officer discipline. This retention marks a significant political maneuver for Mamdani, suggesting a willingness to forge alliances outside his traditional base to govern the city.

The Mayor-elect's decision has been interpreted by some as a strategic move to address public safety concerns and build broader consensus across the city's political spectrum. However, it has simultaneously alienated some of his ardent supporters who championed his more radical reform proposals. The coming months will reveal how Mamdani navigates these differing philosophies while implementing his vision for New York City's public safety.