Dean Fuleihan takes helm as First Deputy Mayor under incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a move finalized with the announcement of Mamdani's senior administration appointments this past January. Fuleihan, a figure with four decades of government experience, previously served as budget director and deputy mayor under former Mayor Bill de Blasio. His extensive background in fiscal and policy capacities within the state Legislature in Albany is now directed towards implementing Mamdani's policy agenda.
"The announcement follows the recent appointment of senior leadership positions, rounding out Mayor Adams' City Hall senior leadership."
Mamdani's administration has been taking shape since February, with a series of appointments defining its operational core. Zohran Mamdani himself, identified as an incoming democratic-socialist mayor, has been assembling his team.
Fuleihan's appointment was announced in January.
Other appointments, including one for Zohran Mamdani, were made in December and February.
Randy Mastro previously served as First Deputy Mayor under Mayor Eric Adams, a position he assumed on March 20, 2025. This appointment followed a failed bid to become the city’s chief corporation counsel. Mastro, a self-proclaimed lifelong Democrat, withdrew his nomination for that role after a contentious hearing. His tenure as First Deputy Mayor concluded with the departure of Maria Torres-Springer in February 2025, alongside three other deputy mayors.
"The Daily News praised him for doing 'the seemingly impossible,' noting 'his contributions to the city he served so well will last a lifetime.'"
Former Comptroller Brad Lander is reportedly campaigning for Congress.
Background
The landscape of New York City's political appointments reveals a constant flux. The recent appointment of Dean Fuleihan as First Deputy Mayor under the incoming administration of Zohran Mamdani signals a particular direction for fiscal and policy implementation. This follows a period where Randy Mastro held the First Deputy Mayor position under Mayor Eric Adams, an appointment that itself came after a prior nomination faced significant hurdles. Meanwhile, figures like Brad Lander appear to be shifting their political ambitions toward federal office.
