Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani Confirms Move to Historic Gracie Mansion, Leaving Rent-Stabilized Queens Apartment
New York City’s newly elected mayor and his wife will relocate to the official mayoral residence in January 2026, citing family safety concerns—ending months of speculation about where the democratic socialist would live.
NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced Monday he will move into Gracie Mansion with his wife, Rama Duwaji, after his January 1, 2026 inauguration. The 34-year-old democratic socialist cited family safety and his commitment to implementing his affordability agenda as the deciding factors.
The decision ends speculation about whether Mamdani would follow the tradition of living in the 226-year-old official residence or remain in the Astoria apartment that became a flashpoint during his campaign.
What Mamdani Said About the Move
“My wife Rama and I have made the decision to move into Gracie Mansion in January,” Mamdani stated Monday. “This decision came down to our family’s safety and the importance of dedicating all of my focus on enacting the affordability agenda New Yorkers voted for.”
The incoming mayor expressed nostalgia for his Astoria neighborhood. “We will miss much about our home in Astoria. Cooking dinner side by side in our kitchen, sharing a sleepy elevator ride with our neighbors in the evening, hearing music and laughter vibrate through the walls of the apartment.”
Mamdani emphasized his continued connection to Queens: “While I may no longer live in Astoria, Astoria will always live inside me and the work I do.”
From Rent-Stabilized Apartment to Historic Mansion
Mamdani has lived in a one-bedroom, rent-stabilized apartment in Astoria, Queens for seven years, paying $2,300 monthly. His living situation drew intense scrutiny during the mayoral campaign.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo attacked Mamdani during the race, arguing the assemblyman—who earned a six-figure salary—should not occupy rent-stabilized housing meant for lower-income New Yorkers.
Mamdani defended himself, stating he didn’t know the apartment was rent-stabilized when he moved in before his 2020 Assembly election, when he earned $47,000 annually. He pointed out that proposing a rent freeze doesn’t preclude living in rent-stabilized housing.
About Gracie Mansion: NYC’s Official Mayoral Residence
History and Location
Built in 1799 by Scottish merchant Archibald Gracie, the Federal-style mansion sits in Carl Schurz Park at East End Avenue and 88th Street on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, overlooking Hell Gate where the East River, Harlem River, and Long Island Sound meet.
The 11,000-square-foot residence became New York City’s official mayoral home in 1942 when Fiorello La Guardia moved in at the urging of Parks Commissioner Robert Moses, who advocated for the designation citing national security concerns during World War II. La Guardia nicknamed it the “Little White House.”
Architectural Features
- Original two-story Federal-style house with clapboard siding
- Susan E. Wagner Wing added in 1966 with ballroom and reception rooms
- First floor includes parlors, dining room, kitchen, and library
- Second floor traditionally houses private bedrooms
- Basement contains offices
The mansion is a New York City designated landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Which Mayors Have Lived There
Since 1942, every NYC mayor has lived in Gracie Mansion except Michael Bloomberg, who resided in his Beaux-Arts townhouse on East 79th Street during his 2002-2013 tenure. Recent residents include:
- Eric Adams (2022-2025)
- Bill de Blasio (2014-2021)
- Rudy Giuliani (1994-2001)
- David Dinkins (1990-1993)
- Ed Koch (1978-1989)
Public Access
Gracie Mansion offers public tours on Mondays at 10:30 AM, 12 PM, and 1:30 PM for $10 per person. Private group tours, school tours, and holiday tours are also available through the Gracie Mansion Conservancy.
Who Is Rama Duwaji? NYC’s Incoming First Lady
Rama Duwaji, 28, will become New York City’s First Lady on January 1, 2026—making her the first Gen Z person and first Muslim woman to hold the role.
Background
Born in Houston, Texas on June 30, 1997 to Syrian Muslim parents from Damascus, Duwaji moved to Dubai at age 9. She earned a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University and an MFA in Illustration as Visual Essay from New York’s School of Visual Arts in 2024.
Artistic Career
Duwaji is a Syrian-American illustrator and animator whose work explores Arab culture, sisterhood, and social justice. Her illustrations have appeared in:
- The New York Times
- The Washington Post
- The New Yorker
- BBC
- Tate Modern
She has created commissioned works for Apple, Spotify, and major publications, focusing on Middle Eastern women’s experiences and humanitarian issues.
Personal Life
Duwaji met Mamdani on the dating app Hinge in 2021. They held a private Islamic nikah ceremony in Dubai in December 2024, married in a civil ceremony at New York City Hall in February 2025, and celebrated in Uganda—Mamdani’s birth country—in July 2025.
During the campaign, Duwaji helped design Mamdani’s distinctive campaign branding, featuring bold yellow text with red shadows against blue backgrounds. She maintained a low public profile while supporting her husband behind the scenes.
Mamdani’s Historic Mayoral Victory
Zohran Mamdani won the NYC mayoral election on November 4, 2025, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo (independent) and Republican Curtis Sliwa with 50.78% of the vote.
Historic Firsts
- First Muslim mayor of New York City
- First South Asian mayor
- First mayor born in Africa (Uganda)
- Youngest mayor in over a century (since 1892)
Campaign Platform
Mamdani ran on an aggressive affordability agenda including:
- Freezing rent on rent-stabilized units
- Universal child care
- Free bus service citywide
- City-run grocery stores
- Fighting corporate exploitation
Record Turnout
More than 2 million voters cast ballots—the highest turnout for a NYC mayoral race since 1969. Young voters and first-time voters drove record early voting numbers.
The Gracie Mansion Conservancy
The Gracie Mansion Conservancy, established in 1981 by Mayor Ed Koch, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the historic residence. The organization:
- Oversees major restorations (1983-1984, 2002)
- Manages the collection of fine and decorative arts
- Provides educational programming and tours
- Works with NYC Parks Department and Historic House Trust
- Maintains the mansion as the “People’s House”
What Happens Next
Inauguration: Mamdani takes office at 12:01 AM on January 1, 2026
Transition Team: Mamdani introduced five women leaders for his transition:
- Maria Torres-Springer (former first deputy mayor under Eric Adams)
- Lina Khan (former FTC chair)
- Grace Bonilla (United Way of New York City president)
- Melanie Hartzog (former deputy mayor for health and human services under Bill de Blasio)
- Elana Leopold (senior campaign adviser) as executive director
Security Arrangements: The decision to move to Gracie Mansion reflects security considerations typical for NYC mayors, particularly given heightened scrutiny around Mamdani’s progressive politics and Muslim faith.
Political Context and Controversy
President Trump repeatedly opposed Mamdani’s candidacy, threatening to withhold federal funding from NYC if Mamdani won. Trump endorsed Andrew Cuomo on election eve and has suggested he might attempt to arrest or deport Mamdani, despite Mamdani becoming a U.S. citizen in 2018.
Mamdani’s rent-stabilized apartment became a lightning rod issue during the campaign. Critics argued that an assemblyman earning over $110,000 annually should not occupy housing designed for lower-income residents. Supporters countered that Mamdani’s personal housing situation demonstrates his commitment to middle-class New Yorkers struggling with affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Mamdani keep his Astoria apartment?
Mamdani has not publicly stated whether he will maintain his Astoria apartment while living in Gracie Mansion. Most mayors have given up their previous residences when moving to the official residence.
Q: Is Gracie Mansion free to live in?
Yes, Gracie Mansion is provided rent-free to New York City mayors as the official residence. The city covers maintenance, security, and operational costs through the Parks Department budget.
Q: Can the public visit Gracie Mansion?
Yes. Public tours are available Mondays at 10:30 AM, 12 PM, and 1:30 PM for $10. Private tours, school tours, and special event tours can be arranged through the Gracie Mansion Conservancy.
Q: What is the Susan E. Wagner Wing?
The Susan E. Wagner Wing is a 1966 addition to Gracie Mansion named after the wife of Mayor Robert F. Wagner. It includes a ballroom and reception rooms used for official city events and public gatherings.
Q: Will Rama Duwaji have an official role as First Lady?
Unlike the U.S. First Lady, NYC’s First Lady does not typically have formal governmental duties. However, First Ladies often champion causes, host events at Gracie Mansion, and represent the city at public functions. Duwaji’s specific role has not been announced.
Q: Why did Mamdani initially say he was undecided about moving?
Before Monday’s announcement, Mamdani told media he was weighing the decision with his wife. In an October 2024 New Yorker interview, he said he would “definitely” be leaving his Queens apartment but had not finalized plans. The couple ultimately prioritized security considerations.
Q: What security features does Gracie Mansion have?
Gracie Mansion has NYPD security details, controlled access through a guarded driveway, and enhanced security measures implemented after 9/11. Specific security protocols are not publicly disclosed for safety reasons.
Q: Has Gracie Mansion been involved in federal investigations?
FBI agents visited Gracie Mansion in September 2024 during the corruption investigation of former Mayor Eric Adams. Adams was later indicted on federal bribery and campaign finance charges, though the charges were dismissed with prejudice in April 2025.
This article was last updated December 8, 2025. For the latest information on NYC government and Mayor-elect Mamdani’s transition, visit nyc.gov.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah