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“Her influence cannot be overstated,” said Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America. “With Zohran, she is the brains of the campaign.”
By United with Israel Staff
The victory of Zohran Mamdani in the November 4th New York City mayoral election sent waves of shock across the political landscape.
While supporters celebrated the historic win, critics voiced deep concerns about entrusting the leadership of America’s largest city to a radical socialist with a long record of anti-Israel statements and affiliations that diverge sharply from the Democratic mainstream.
At the center of the incoming administration’s agenda is Mamdani’s campaign manager and closest adviser, a 34-year-old woman whose name was virtually unknown before orchestrating one of the most effective mayoral campaigns in recent history. Despite her lack of prior experience in citywide politics, her strategic direction was widely recognized as the driving force behind Mamdani’s success.
Elle Bisgaard-Church, newly named chief of staff, is a committed member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the far-left organization that provided crucial backing for Mamdani’s candidacy. She played a key role in developing his controversial Department of Community Safety plan and shaping the policies that have drawn concern from pro-Israel advocates.
“Her influence cannot be overstated,” said Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America. “She should take credit for the top three demands that make up the affordability agenda. With Zohran, she is the brains of the campaign.”
Bisgaard-Church has long maintained a low profile, rarely appearing in public. That changed during the Democratic primary in June, when Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo. At his victory celebration, the crowd erupted into chants of “Elle, Elle, Elle,” signaling that the architect of the campaign was stepping out of the shadows.
On election night, the chant returned as supporters hailed her as “the person who has been Zohran’s right hand from day one, whose deep commitment to our movement and care for our people has infused every part of this campaign from top to bottom, and without whom we would not be here tonight.”
Bisgaard-Church’s political roots run deep within the DSA, a movement known for its consistently anti-Israel stance. She has helped guide the organization’s approach to working with elected officials, promoting candidates aligned with DSA ideology, including those who openly challenge U.S. policy toward Israel.
Mamdani himself founded a Students for Justice in Palestine chapter during his college years, and sources say Bisgaard-Church has been a loyal partner in advancing that agenda.
The DSA advocates for sweeping economic reforms, including transferring control of key sectors like energy and transportation to democratic social ownership and implementing what it calls “non-reformist reforms” to diminish corporate influence.
Its platform also calls for Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, strengthened labor unions through rank-and-file strategies, and universal social programs such as free college and childcare. On foreign policy, the organization is strongly pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist, opposing traditional U.S. security assistance to Israel.
For pro-Israel leaders and advocates, Bisgaard-Church’s influence represents a significant concern. Her rise to a position of power in the mayor’s office signals that anti-Israel policies may gain a new foothold at the municipal level, raising questions about the direction of New York City’s international engagement and its relationship with the Jewish community.
As the city prepares for the new administration, the attention now turns to Bisgaard-Church and her role in shaping policy in one of the world’s most influential cities.
Her appointment as chief of staff confirms that while the voice of Zohran Mamdani will be in the mayor’s office, the vision behind the policies will reflect the priorities of a radical, far-left movement with deep anti-Israel commitments.
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