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Chris Sommerfeldt

@c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social
7.1K followers 420 following 2.2K posts

City Hall reporter / New York Playbook co-author @politico.com. From 🇸🇪. Have a tip? DMs are open or reach me at csommerfeldt@politico.com

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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 1h
Rep. Dan Goldman, who's leaving office this year after losing to a Mamdani-backed candidate, accused the mayor of "victim-shaming" in criticizing Israel in his Oct. 7 statement. It's part of a wave of pushback Mamdani got over his statement. www.politico.com/news/2026/10...
politico.com
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.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 5h
Pro-Palestinian protesters gather outside City Hall to call out Mayor Zohran Mamdani for what they see as his betrayal of the movement. "Mayor Mamdani, you can't hide we charge you with genocide" was a chant that just rang out.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 13h
Inbox: Mayor Mamdani commemorates Hamas' "horrific war crimes of October 7" and also condemns the Israeli government's "devastating, ongoing genocide in Gaza."
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Mamdani's admin is finally letting a group of Council members tour a Queens shelter where subpar living conditions have raised concern. But before tomorrow's planned visit, shelter residents were told to clean, a directive angering the Council members. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Got some details from Abdul El-Sayed's fundraiser in Manhattan last night. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Assemblymember Nikki Lucas, who's vying to become the embattled Brooklyn Democratic Party's next head, has racked up at least 69 traffic violations in the past five years — nearly half of them for speeding and blowing through red lights. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Mayor Mamdani confirms he has received his high-level federal security clearance. “I have my security clearance now," he says in Brooklyn. This comes after @elizabethkim.bsky.social reported earlier this month that the feds still hadn't approved his clearance: gothamist.com/news/mayor-m...
gothamist.com
Mayor Mamdani still waiting on federal security clearance 8 months into office
Former officials, including ex-Mayor de Blasio, said it is crucially important for Mamdani to have the clearance.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
New: Jasmine Ray, ex-Mayor Eric Adams’ onetime romantic partner, is suing the Mamdani administration, claiming it cancelled her daycare's city contract in an act of "retaliation" over a blog post she wrote criticizing the new mayor's childcare agenda. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
politico.com
Eric Adams’ ex wages court battle against Mamdani’s administration
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
New: Since early 2026, Mamdani has required the NYPD to seek his office's approval before deploying its Strategic Response Group to do arrests. While it's a significant oversight for Mamdani to exert, the policy's existence is politically awkward for him. www.politico.com/news/2026/09...
politico.com
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.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
"This is something that we will be not only continuing to discuss, but we'll be implementing," Mayor Zohran Mamdani says when asked what's causing the holdup in abolishing the NYPD's SRG unit. "It'll be not on an inshallah timeline, but an actual one."
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
In his 2025 tax return, Bruce Blakeman reported raking in $250,000+ in investment and rental income. But the GOP gubernatorial hopeful's 2025 state financial disclosure doesn’t mention those income streams, raising potential compliance concerns. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
politico.com
Bruce Blakeman’s financial disclosure dilemma
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Mayor Mamdani won't be at any anti-Netanyahu protests today in connection with the Israeli leader's UNGA speech. When it comes to Mamdani's staff, his office is "neither encouraging nor discouraging" them from participating in the protests. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Mamdani's team told Council member Julie Won in February they'd keep her looped on Sunnyside Yard after she felt blindsided when he and Trump first announced interest in the project. But a Won aide says she hasn't heard a peep from Mamdani's team since... www.politico.com/newsletters/...
politico.com
Mamdani and Trump face frosty reception in Queens over Sunnyside Yard plan
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Fresh off yesterday's chummy meeting with Mayor Mamdani (a DSA member), President Trump's at the UN railing against Cuba for having "cultivated" ties with the Democratic Socialists of America and other U.S. leftist groups. “Communism will never be coming to America," he says.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Emilia Rowland, Mayor Mamdani's new media chief who oversaw the City Hall influencer chat on Signal that has raised transparency concerns, is skipping today's City Council oversight hearing on the issue despite being invited, our colleague Molly Reinmann reports. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Trump’s bromance with Mamdani almost seems surreal when contrasted against how they spoke about each just last year. But to Asad Dandia, a friend of Mamdani, Trump’s fondness of the mayor is a reflection of his ability to find common ground. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
politico.com
Mamdani, the Trump charmer
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
In a continuation of the most unexpected bromance in U.S. politics, Mamdani and Trump praised each other today after meeting at the mayor’s home for a wide-ranging discussion about everything from interior design to housing to immigration. www.politico.com/news/2026/09...
politico.com
Mamdani and Trump emerge from Gracie Mansion sit-down with nothing but praise
The unlikely duo met for the third time at the official mayoral residence in New York City as the United Nations General Assembly begins.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and President Donald Trump just walked out of Gracie Mansion following their meeting. They are about to address reporters.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
After his meeting with President Trump this afternoon, Mayor Mamdani will have dinner with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who's in town for a UN Charter event also featuring pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, per a source familiar with the plans. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
politico.com
The art of dealing with Trump
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
NYC's Department of Investigation provided fewer than 170 anti-corruption lectures to city employees last fiscal year — the fewest since the pandemic — due to staff shortages that are also snarling some of the agency’s other core functions. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
New: Mamdani plans to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly tomorrow, showcasing the mayor's desire to build bridges with like-minded politicians from overseas during this otherwise tense week. www.politico.com/news/2026/09...
politico.com
In the general assembly’s shadow, Mamdani looks to bolster international left
The New York City mayor is taking advantage of the U.N. gathering, even as it poses political risks in his backyard.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Mayor Mamdani's meeting with President Trump at Gracie Mansion tomorrow will be entirely behind closed doors with no press allowed, according to the mayor's public schedule. This comes after Trump has banned media outlets from the White House, including POLITICO.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
NYC saw drops in affordable housing production and free childcare enrollment over the fiscal year that ended July 1, potential trouble signs for Mayor Mamdani, who has made both issues key policy focuses for his administration. Today's Playbook top: www.politico.com/newsletters/...
politico.com
Mamdani’s first report card: Early child care and housing struggles, lots of new bus lanes
A new mayoral management report shows that Mayor Zohran Mamdani has much work to do on the fronts of affordable housing construction and enrollment in free child care programs.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Zohran Mamdani's meeting with a lot of fellow mayors tomorrow. None of it, regrettably, open to the press :(.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Several ex-NYPD cops who served in top roles in former Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, including Kaz Daughtry and Louis Molina, are raking in inflated police pensions that should be lowered, according to NYC's Department of Investigation. www.politico.com/news/2026/09...
politico.com
Top aides to Eric Adams secured inflated NYPD pensions that should be lowered, report says
Among the former Adams administration officials receiving bloated benefits is former Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Frank Carone, ex-Mayor Eric Adams' longtime confidant who's under indictment on bribery charges, is signaling in new court filings that he will defend himself by relying on two recent Supreme Court precedents that weakened corruption prosecution standards. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
JD Vance, who's trying to court support from Jewish Republicans ahead of a likely 2028 run, is meeting with controversial New York right-wing radio host Sid Rosenberg today. A Vance critic, Rosenberg's going there with some bones to pick with the VP. www.politico.com/news/2026/09...
politico.com
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.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
"I do not have any plans to attend any protests at the UN General Assembly," Mamdani says, confirming our reporting from today that he won't participate in anti-Netanyahu actions next week. Asked why he won't, he says his focus is to "keep New Yorkers safe" and facilitate UNGA.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Mamdani doesn't plan to attend any protests against Benjamin Netanyahu when he's in NYC next week, per a source. While perhaps not surprising given logistical headaches, it speaks to how Mamdani has had to temper his activism as mayor. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
politico.com
Mamdani isn’t planning to attend the anti-Netanyahu protests next week
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
As part of his first comprehensive street safety initiative, 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. subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
subscriber.politicopro.com
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.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
"We should be seeing a far greater response from the federal government on this issue," Mayor Zohran Mamdani says about regulating artificial intelligence.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Sixty-three city and state elected officials, including several close allies of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, are calling on him to prioritize lowering speed limits to 20 mph on all eligible streets in NYC. In today's Playbook: www.politico.com/newsletters/...
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
New: NYC's Department of Investigation and the City Council's Ethics Committee are now probing Council member Chris Marte over allegations — first reported by POLITICO — that he misused government staff for political purposes. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
politico.com
NYC Council member faces probes over fundraising claims
An NYC Council member is under increasingly pointed investigative scrutiny over allegations that he misused government staff for political purposes.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Despite all the rancor, Rudy and Zohran shook hands today. And Rudy even offered prayers for Zohran, per a source. Archbishop Ronald Hicks told me he believes Rudy was "following in the steps of Jesus" by praying for Zohran. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
politico.com
At 9/11 ceremony, Giuliani and Mamdani … shake hands?
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Eric Adams was the only living former or current NYC mayor who didn't attend the 9/11 ceremony at Ground Zero today. His spokesman Todd Shapiro says he skipped the ceremony because he had an "unavoidable trip out of town."
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Mayor Mamdani and ex-Mayor Giuliani just shook hands at the Ground Zero ceremony. This comes after Giuliani called on Mamdani to stay away from the ceremony, and after Mamdani all but accused Giuliani of lying about the safety of breathing the air immediately after 9/11.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
New: During his first 35 days as mayor, Zohran Mamdani had 145 “private appointment” entries on his government schedules, per records we've obtained. At least some of those appointments were political in nature, his office confirms. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
politico.com
Mamdani’s first month: ‘Private’ meetings, weekly calls with Bernie and long nights
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The Council Rules Committee just approved Mamdani's pick of John Mangin to become Board of Standards & Appeals chair, via 6-1 vote (with 2 abstentions). The Council initially signaled it'd block Mangin due to past housing comments, as we first reported: www.politico.com/newsletters/...
politico.com
Mamdani pick for crucial housing panel on thin ice with City Council
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
A bill is being introduced in the New York City Council today that would make it easier for the city government to revoke press credentials — a move that comes amid heightened concern about activists and rabble-rousers masquerading as journalists. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Between Trump skipping Friday's Ground Zero ceremony and Mamdani facing calls from political enemies to stay away from it, this year's 9/11 anniversary is shaping up as unusually partisan and rancorous. www.politico.com/news/2026/09...
politico.com
Mamdani and Trump underscore a shift in 9/11 discourse 25 years later
The New York City mayor represents a broader accounting of the tragedy. Trump is skipping the ceremony at Manhattan’s ground zero altogether.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Pizzeria owners Joseph and Anthony Livreri pleaded guilty today to bribing Eric Ulrich, Eric Adams' first buildings commissioner, in exchange for help with a vacate order. That could spell trouble for Ulrich, who faces his own bribery trial this month. subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
subscriber.politicopro.com
POLITICO Pro: Pizzeria owners plead guilty to bribing former Mayor Eric Adams’ buildings commissioner
The pleas from the two pizzeria-owning brothers come just weeks before Adams’ former buildings head, Eric Ulrich, is set to stand trial on his own bribery charges.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
At an NYPD 9/11 memorial ceremony with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch says public officials must speak with "moral clarity" about 9/11 and not "blur" the distinction between who the "heroes" and "terrorists" were. "Shame on those who do," she says.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
New: Mamdani's signature Office of Community Safety held a private meeting with Bronx officials last week on "troubling shooting trends" in the borough. The NYPD — whose messaging on Bronx crime is markedly more positive — didn't attend despite an invite. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
politico.com
A tale of two public safety outlooks inside Mamdani’s administration
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Mayor Mamdani, joined by Jon Stewart and many other 9/11 family advocates, is announcing the release of air quality reports about the safety of the air in Lower Manhattan immediately after the 9/11 attacks. NYT first reported on this last night: nytimes.com/2026/09/07/nyr…
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
New: Mamdani’s admin is officially coming out in favor of restoring public access to Columbia University’s main campus, reversing his predecessor’s support for keeping it closed due to safety concerns over pro-Palestinian protests. w/ @madinatoure.bsky.social www.politico.com/news/2026/09...
politico.com
Mamdani backs reopening Columbia University campus to public after pro-Palestine protests prompted shutdown
Public access to the campus was first rescinded in October 2023 after it became the site of encampment protests against Israel’s war in Gaza.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
New: In recent weeks, Mamdani has declined to confirm he'd endorse @aoc.bsky.social if she runs for president. But in March, Mamdani signed a little-noticed DSA petition that all but endorsed AOC, calling her “the most viable left contender for president in 2028." www.politico.com/newsletters/...
politico.com
Mamdani has already endorsed AOC for president — sort of
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Gustavo Gordillo, the co-chair of NYC's Democratic Socialists of America chapter, told comrades in an email last night that he believes he's a "doxxing" victim because of recent press coverage about his family wealth, career choices and homeownership. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
“If there are any departures from what is legally required, my administration will look into it immediately and take corrective action," Mamdani says when @madinatoure.bsky.social asks whether his lawyers have cleared his team to use Signal to communicate with social media influencers.
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Open primary advocates in NYC are increasingly bullish they'll get their long-sought referendum question on the 2027 ballot. And while they don't think open primaries will hurt Mamdani, some DSA members fear it could harm their broader political project. www.politico.com/newsletters/...
politico.com
Open primary proponents eye 2027 as their year in NYC
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Chris Sommerfeldt @c-sommerfeldt.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Speaking at the police academy in Nassau County, Trump claims Gov. Hochul and Mayor Mamdani have "fought like hell" against securing U.S. borders and tax cuts for seniors. Not really clear what he's referring to, since neither Hochul nor Mamdani can dictate federal policy.
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