Chris Sommerfeldt
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City Hall reporter / NY Playbook co-author @politico. Previously: @nydailynews. From 🇸🇪. Have a tip? DMs are open or reach me at csommerfeldt@politico.com
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Articles by Chris Sommerfeldt
ICE shooting puts Mamdani's relationship with Trump through a stress test
A BREAK IN THE BROMANCE? A broad daylight shooting by federal immigration officers in New York City is putting the Mamdani-Trump bromance to the test. Hours after masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents peppered a car containing a five-year-old boy with bullets, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he'd spoken with President Donald Trump to demand an end to ICE operations in the city and the release of a 28-year-old man who was shot in the neck. Neither has happened.
Trump administration rebuffs Mamdani's demand for ICE enforcement freeze after shooting
The rejection raises uncomfortable questions for the New York City mayor, who has tried to maintain a cordial relationship with Trump. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and President Donald Trump in front of Gracie Mansion, the mayor's official residence. | Joe Anuta/POLITICO 10/09/2026 4:04 PM EDT NEW YORK — A broad daylight shooting by federal immigration officers in New York City is putting the Mamdani-Trump bromance to the test.
Trump administration rebuffs Mamdani’s demand for ICE enforcement freeze after shooting
NEW YORK — A broad daylight shooting by federal immigration officers in New York City is putting the Mamdani-Trump bromance to the test. Hours after masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents peppered a car containing a five-year-old boy with bullets, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he'd spoken with President Donald Trump to demand an end to ICE operations in the city and the release of a 28-year-old man who was shot in the neck. Neither has happened.
Trump's NY state of mind
With help from Molly Reinmann HAPPY FRIDAY. It's Nick Reisman . Today's presidential visit to Syracuse has some Republicans wishing he'd stay away — even as some expect it'll stir the GOP base. I've got fresh reporting on that dynamic. Plus, my colleague has news on how the New York City Council is trying to improve relations with our neighbor to the north. BUT FIRST: ICE shot a man in Manhattan yesterday afternoon, my colleagues Joe Anuta and Chris Sommerfeldt report .
ICE shooting in NYC prompts Mamdani outreach to Trump
Follow ICE shooting in NYC prompts Mamdani outreach to Trump Joe Anuta and Chris Sommerfeldt Thu, October 8, 2026 at 8:23 PM EDT ICE shooting in NYC prompts Mamdani outreach to Trump NEW YORK — Mayor Zohran Mamdani demanded President Donald Trump end "all ICE enforcement actions in our city" late Thursday after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent shot a man in Manhattan, according to the NYPD.
Backlash over Mamdani’s Oct. 7 statement extends into his support network
NEW YORK — The fallout around Mayor Zohran Mamdani's statement marking the deadly Oct. 7 attack against Israel extends into his own stable of supporters — a reach that threatens to further erode his already strained relationship with the city's Jewish community. Mamdani released a four-paragraph message on Wednesday acknowledging the three-year anniversary of the day that Hamas militants killed roughly 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and took 251 others hostage.
Mamdani attended exclusive fundraiser hosted by his supporters for Abdul El-Sayed Original
The mayor's appearance marked the first confirmed time during his tenure he's stumped for a congressional candidate in a race outside New York. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani arrives for a press conference on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions on August 12, 2026 in New York City. Gov. Hochul and Mayor Mamdani were joined by Attorney General Letitia James as they made an announcement on the ICE overreach currently happening in NYC. | Michael M.
Mamdani's Oct. 7 headache
HAPPY THURSDAY. It's Chris Sommerfeldt . My colleague Joe Anuta and I are starting us off today by unpacking the political quagmire Mayor Zohran Mamdani was in yesterday as New York City marked the anniversary of Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Plus, we have news from key midterm election races across the state. Have news tips or just want to share what's on your mind?
Mamdani draws bipartisan backlash for criticizing Israel on Oct. 7 anniversary
Even some Democrats were taken aback by the mayor's statement, which focused mostly on criticizing Israel for its military response to Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joins anti-war demonstrators for a rally called by Israelis for Peace NYC, a community group of Israeli anti-occupation activists, in New York, on Oct. Wednesday.
Mamdani draws bipartisan backlash for criticizing Israel on Oct. 7 anniversary
NEW YORK — Mayor Zohran Mamdani's statement marking the third anniversary of Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel sparked outrage Wednesday — and racked up millions of views on social media. Mamdani is a longtime critic of Israel and has been especially fervent in decrying its treatment of Palestinians since the 2023 attack.
NY-17's safety dance
GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNING. Madison Fernandez here. With less than a month to go until Election Day, we have a dispatch from the high-stakes competition in the Hudson Valley, along with updates on two upstate House races. Have news tips or just want to share what's on your mind? Reach me at [email protected] ONE WEEK AWAY: Mayor Zohran Mamdani 's administration is pursuing a bold agenda to tame the city's affordability crisis — making New York City a testing ground for progressives across the country.
NYSUT comes to the House
With help from Molly Reinmann GOOD TUESDAY MORNING . This is Nick Reisman in Albany. I've got a scoop this morning on a new super PAC getting involved in swing House districts. Plus, we've got a first look at the Wall Street bonus report — and what it all means for the state budget. Meanwhile, Democrats are doubling down in a House seat where the GOP has scaled back. Have news tips or just want to share what's on your mind?
AI in the NYC Council spotlight
With help from Molly Reinmann Decoded by POLITICO Launches Today The future of the world is being dictated in real time by the intersection of tech titans and governments. But there's just way too much tech news to monitor. Your inboxes are full. Your feeds are even fuller. Push alerts pile up. And your phones won't stop pinging.
The super PACs in Hochul's corner
With help from Molly Reinmann HAPPY THURSDAY . This is Nick Reisman . Welcome to October and the final dash of the campaign season. Today we've got an exclusive on the first ad being launched by a super PAC allied with Gov. Kathy Hochul 's reelection bid. Plus my colleagues have campaign finance news from a swing seat as well as what the top House Democrat is up to. Have news tips or just want to share what's on your mind?
Trump administration grants Mamdani security clearance 9 months into his term
Follow Trump administration grants Mamdani security clearance 9 months into his term Wed, September 30, 2026 at 3:26 PM EDT NEW YORK — After a monthslong wait, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has finally received a federal security clearance, allowing him to participate in classified briefings about security threats and other emergencies impacting New York City. "I have my security clearance now," Mamdani told reporters at an unrelated press conference Wednesday in Brooklyn.
Eric Adams' ex wages court battle against Mamdani's administration
With help from Molly Reinmann HAPPY WEDNESDAY . This is Chris Sommerfeldt . I'm kicking us off today with a blast from the not-so-distant past delving into a politically-tinged lawsuit filed by a certain former New York City mayor's onetime girlfriend. Plus, we have lots of news from the campaign trail as well as a peek into what the state's doing to meet surging electricity demands. Have news tips or just want to share what's on your mind?
Inside Mamdani's fraught effort to rein in the NYPD unit he pledged to end
The mayor has quietly required the NYPD to seek his office's permission before the unit conducts arrests. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani attends a news conference at the headquarters of the NYPD on January 06, 2026 in New York City. Mamdani, who was joined by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, discussed crime statistics and safety, including a historic drop in shootings in New York City last year.
Inside Mamdani’s fraught effort to rein in the NYPD unit he pledged to end
NEW YORK — Mayor Zohran Mamdani suggested on Monday that he didn't approve of the NYPD's decision last week to deploy a controversial protest response unit to arrest scores of demonstrators, including several of his own political allies. What Mamdani didn't say: His office could have easily stopped the deployment.
Inside Mamdani's fraught effort to rein in the NYPD unit he pledged to end
POLICING PROBLEMS: In the early days of his administration, Mayor Zohran Mamdani placed a new requirement on the NYPD: The department would have to secure permission from his office to deploy its Strategic Response Group to make arrests at protests. The directive, which hasn't been previously reported, shows Mamdani sought to exert significant influence over a core function of the police department.
The Lawler-Conley showdown
With help from Molly Reinmann HAPPY TUESDAY. Madison Fernandez here with a dispatch on the first debate in one of the most competitive House races in the country. We also have an update on the latest drama among Brooklyn Democrats and a look at gubernatorial fundraising numbers. Have news tips or just want to share what's on your mind? Reach me at mfernandez@politico.com NEW YORK'S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK : Cost of living is a top concern for New York City residents.
The Jacobs challenge
With help from Molly Reinmann HAPPY MONDAY. This is Nick Reisman in Albany. Today I've got new reporting on the challenge facing New York Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs and the lead up to the intraparty fight. Plus my colleagues have news on some of the post-World Cup concerns being raised by New York City's business community and a new push on hospital bills. Have news tips or just want to share what's on your mind?
Bruce Blakeman's financial disclosure dilemma
With help from Molly Reinmann HAPPY FRIDAY . This is Chris Sommerfeldt . Today, I'm starting us off with a dive into what did not make it into the financial disclosure of the Republican Party's gubernatorial candidate in New York. We also have news on a city-level push for artificial intelligence regulation and a scoop on a potential presidential candidate's fundraiser in Manhattan. Have news tips or just want to share what's on your mind?
NYPD unit arrests anti-Bibi, pro-Zohran protests outside U.N.
WILD IN THE STREETS: Roughly 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators — including several politicians close to Mayor Zohran Mamdani — were arrested in Manhattan this afternoon while protesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's appearance at the United Nations. Among those detained were Darializa Avila Chevalier, the Democratic nominee for New York's 13th congressional district, and City Council members Chi Ossé and Alexa Avilés.
Netanyahu rails against ‘antisemitic’ Mamdani in defiant UN speech
NEW YORK — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his annual address at the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday to take withering aim at Mayor Zohran Mamdani, calling the New York City executive an "antisemite" and claiming he's "buddies" with Hamas terrorists. "To all those that are spreading these lies about my country and about our brave soldiers, whether they sit in this hall or in the office of the antisemitic mayor of New York, I say this: Shame on you.
Mamdani allies arrested at anti-Netanyahu protests outside United Nations
NEW YORK — Roughly 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators — including several politicians close to Mayor Zohran Mamdani — were arrested in Manhattan this afternoon while protesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's appearance at the United Nations. Among those detained were Darializa Avila Chevalier, the Democratic nominee for New York's 13th congressional district, and City Council members Chi Ossé and Alexa Avilés.
A very long day with the Brooklyn Dems
The embattled Brooklyn Democratic Party met for its organizational meeting yesterday — a nearly eight-hour confab highlighted by sniping, technical difficulties and uncertainty. The gathering unfolded amid a contentious leadership battle between the current chair, state Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn , and Julio Peña III , a district leader backed by a group of self-described reformers.
Blakeman’s short poll vaulting
With help from Molly Reinmann HAPPY WEDNESDAY. This is Nick Reisman. There’s a new poll this morning in the gubernatorial campaign that shows a high single-digit race — a result that’s perhaps too close for comfort in Democratic circles. Meanwhile my colleague has fresh reporting on another Democratic boldface name coming to help in a crucial Hudson Valley swing seat. Have news tips or just want to share what’s on your mind? Reach me at Gov.
Mamdani and Trump face frosty reception in Queens over Sunnyside Yard plan
LOCAL INPUT: Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing fresh backlash over sidelining key stakeholders from talks about developing thousands of housing units on top of a Queens rail yard.
Mamdani, the Trump charmer
With help from Molly Reinmann HAPPY TUESDAY. This is Chris Sommerfeldt . I'm kicking us off today with a look into Mayor Zohran Mamdani 's charm offensive against President Donald Trump . Plus, my colleagues have news about the cannabis industry and an update on the growing push for regulating social media influencers. Have news tips or just want to share what's on your mind? Reach me at csommerfeldt@politico.com ZO IT GOES: During New York City's mayoral race last year, former Gov.
Mamdani and Trump emerge from Gracie Mansion sit-down with nothing but praise
NEW YORK — In a continuation of one of the most unexpected bromances in American politics, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and President Donald Trump praised each other Monday after meeting privately at the mayor's residence in New York City for a wide-ranging discussion about everything from interior design to housing to immigration. “I want what's good for New York. I want what's good for the country. So if I had a choice of having him be a bad mayor, or a horrible mayor — I don't want that.
Mamdani and Trump emerge from Gracie Mansion sit-down with nothing but praise
NEW YORK — In a continuation of one of the most unexpected bromances in American politics, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and President Donald Trump praised each other Monday after meeting privately at the mayor's residence in New York City for a wide-ranging discussion about everything from interior design to housing to immigration. "I want what's good for New York. I want what's good for the country. So if I had a choice of having him be a bad mayor, or a horrible mayor — I don't want that.
The art of dealing with Trump
ALL EYES ON GRACIE: Mayor Zohran Mamdani is expected to sit down with President Donald Trump at Gracie Mansion this afternoon, their third in-person meeting in less than a year and the latest wrinkle in one of the strangest relationships in American politics.
In the General Assembly’s shadow, Mamdani looks to bolster international left
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What's next for the RAISE Act?
With help from Molly Reinmann HAPPY MONDAY. It's Madison Fernandez . This morning, we have new details on what's next for the state's landmark artificial intelligence legislation, along with reports on a clean energy group eyeing New York and what to expect at the United Nations General Assembly this week. BUT FIRST: Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to meet with President Donald Trump at Gracie Mansion today ahead of this week's high-stakes United Nations General Assembly debate.
In the general assembly’s shadow, Mamdani looks to bolster international left
NEW YORK — Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly Tuesday, the latest engagement showcasing Mamdani's desire to build bridges with like-minded politicians outside the U.S. The expected meeting with Støre, a member of Norway's left-leaning Labour Party, comes after Mamdani held private audiences over the weekend with mayors from Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain and France.
Mamdani's first report card: Early child care and housing struggles, lots of new bus lanes
HOW'S MAM DOIN'? So far, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has made child care and housing two of his biggest policy priorities. His first mayoral management report shows he has his work cut out for himself on both those fronts, with affordable housing construction and enrollment in New York City's free child care programs trending in the wrong directions. There are still bright spots when it comes to other priorities, including on bus lane construction and pothole repairs.
Top aides to Eric Adams secured inflated NYPD pensions that should be lowered, report says
NEW YORK — Several top officials from former Mayor Eric Adams' administration are raking in inflated NYPD pensions that should be lowered, a report from New York City's corruption watchdog recommended Thursday. The Department of Investigation report revolves around the use of so-called 821 waivers under the Adams administration.
JD Vance faces test in White House meeting with Israel-backing radio host
The meeting with New York-based Sid Rosenberg comes as Vance tries to court skeptical Jewish Republicans ahead of a likely 2028 run. Sid Rosenberg speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York.
Mayor Pete hits the Hudson Valley
With help from Molly Reinmann A Note to Our Readers Over the past week, you've been bombarded with dire warnings about AI's future, and a cacophony of voices insisting governments must take “some” action. But on what will actually be done, by whom and where — there are precious few voices offering clarity. That's where POLITICO comes in.
Mamdani isn't planning to attend the anti-Netanyahu protests next week
HAPPY WEDNESDAY . This is Chris Sommerfeldt in New York City, where large-scale anti-Israel protests are expected to play out next week. Despite his long record of pro-Palestinian activism, a certain mayor isn't expected to participate in those protests, and I'm starting us off today with a dive into why that is. Plus, my colleagues have news on the heated debate over energy rebate checks and a scoop on a self-driving car company's advocacy coalition launch.
AI angst hits New York
GOOD MORNING. Madison Fernandez here. On tap, we have a look at how the debate over how to handle artificial intelligence is playing out among New York pols, the city's plans to lower speed limits and a ruling in a high-profile legal battle in Brooklyn. Have news tips or just want to share what's on your mind?
POLITICO Pro: Mamdani pushes for lower speed limits, pedestrian-only areas and potentially higher tolls in NYC
The proposals are included in Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s sprawling street safety plan, which is light on some details, including where the new pedestrian-only areas would be. NEW YORK — Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to enact lower speed limits across New York City, create pedestrian-only districts and potentially advocate for increasing tolls on larger passenger vehicles. The proposals are contained in “Vision Zero Reimagined,” Mamdani’s first comprehensive street safety plan.
NYC Council member faces probes over fundraising claims
UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: New York City Council member Christopher Marte is under increasingly pointed investigative scrutiny over allegations that he misused government staff for political purposes. Internally , the accusations are being taken so seriously that the City Council has indefinitely frozen tens of thousands of dollars in taxpayer funding that Marte tried to allocate this year for a local non-profit allegedly involved in some of the wrongdoing.
At 9/11 ceremony, Giuliani and Mamdani … shake hands? Original
BEST FRENEMIES: Didn't see this one coming. At Friday's ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani — he of the recent anti-Muslim tirade — shook hands with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the subject of that rant. The former Republican mayor even offered prayers for Mamdani during their brief exchange, according to a person with knowledge of the matter who was granted anonymity to discuss it.
Political unity permeates 25th anniversary of 9/11
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Political unity permeates 25th anniversary of 9/11
NEW YORK — At Friday's 25th anniversary commemoration of Sept. 11, there were no arguments. There were no boycotts. And no first responders turned their backs in protest. The energy at ground zero was quite the opposite. Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani — he of the recent anti-Muslim tirade — shook hands with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the subject of that rant.
25 years later
IT'S FRIDAY. This is Nick Reisman in Albany. Today, New York pauses to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks — an event that shaped the Big Apple's political contours significantly during the 21st century. This year's memorial has ratcheted up tensions and become inextricably tied to the political climate. We'll dive into that dynamic, plus my colleagues have a look at the latest fight over the census. Have news tips or just want to share what's on your mind?
Mamdani's first month: ‘Private' meetings, weekly calls with Bernie and long nights
A ‘PRIVATE' AFFAIR: Mayor Zohran Mamdani isn't typically considered a very private person. As mayor, he's burnished his imprint by broadcasting both his personal and professional life on social media. But detailed government schedules of his first month in office show a different side of the 34-year-old democratic socialist. The schedules, which were obtained by Playbook through a Freedom of Information Law request, show he had 145 “private appointment” entries during his first 35 days in office.
Mamdani and Trump underscore a shift in 9/11 discourse 25 years later
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9/11 and NY-11
HAPPY THURSDAY. Madison Fernandez here. On tap, a 9/11 first responder running for Congress shares his view on the rhetoric ahead of the 25th anniversary. We also have a look at new legislation in the state Senate tackling artificial intelligence and in the City Council addressing press credentials. Have news tips or just want to share what's on your mind? Reach me at mfernandez@politico.com 25 YEARS LATER: On the day of the Sept.
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