Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on Friday named two new top aides — including a controversial Biden cabinet official who failed to address widespread fraud in California’s unemployment system.
Mamdani tapped Julie Su to serve in his incoming administration in the newly created post of deputy mayor for economic justice, and also brought on Mayor Eric Adams’ housing czar Leila Bozorg as his deputy mayor for housing and planning.
Su served under President Joe Biden as acting secretary of labor, but repeatedly failed to get a full confirmation from Congress, with some Democrats helping to block the progressive pick.
She also faced tough questions from Republicans about her time as California’s labor secretary in the COVID-era that saw widespread fraud and delayed relief payments.
“I’m aware of the deputy mayor’s record, and I’m very excited to have her,” Mamdani said when asked about Su’s history.
“I can say that in looking at our deputy mayor’s record and looking at how she stood up for workers across the country, it is a moment of incredible excitement for myself and the entire team to have her.”
Bozorg, a seemingly less controversial pick, will join the new administration after serving as Adams’ executive director for housing.
