Mamdani fights to confirm DOI chief as council demands independence

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani is rushing to secure City Council confirmation of Nadia Shihata to lead the Department of Investigation, holding one‑on‑one meetings to reassure lawmakers about her independence amid questions tied to her past political support for the mayor and her ties to a top aide. The nomination comes as the city faces a roughly $5.4 billion budget gap and follows a broader feud between Mamdani and the Council Speaker, adding pressure on a confirmation process that could test the mayor’s clout and the DOI’s watchdog role.