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New York City's next chief executive, Zohran Mamdani, has decided to make his home in the iconic Gracie Mansion, leaving behind the rent-stabilised apartment that was a central issue throughout his campaign.

A Historic Residence

Built in 1799, Gracie Mansion has been the mayoral home for most New York City mayors since the post-war period.

However, Mamdani, for whom housing costs is a core policy, was not quick to announce this decision immediately after his electoral win in November.

"My choice came down to the security of my family and the need to focusing my complete efforts on carrying out the platform on affordability the city's residents voted for," stated Mamdani on Monday.

A Fond Farewell

He resided in the Queens borough of Astoria, an area known for its diverse immigrant communities and culinary diversity.

"To the people of Astoria: my gratitude for showing us the true spirit of New York City," Mamdani's statement said.

"Even though I'm moving in Astoria, Astoria will forever remain inside me and my efforts as mayor," he said.

A Contentious Issue

In his election campaign, Mamdani tied his core platform – to freeze the rent – to his own housing situation.

But his critics, including ex-governor Andrew Cuomo, attacked Mamdani for occupying the affordable housing even though he hails from a well-known family.

Previous Exceptions

Not every mayor have decided to stay at Gracie Mansion.

Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor, preferred to remain in his personal mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side throughout his time in office, which wrapped up in 2012.

Instead, Bloomberg said he believed it could serve as a place for civic gatherings, and advocated for an extensive renovation of the historic mansion.

A Vastly Different Setting

When Mamdani moves into Gracie Mansion near his swearing-in on 1 January, he will be surrounded by surroundings very different than his previous Astoria digs.

With its butter yellow paint, emerald shutters, and pristine railings, Gracie Mansion is a picturesque home with views of the East River.

Internally, the ground floor of the classically designed mansion is appointed in the spirit of the home's early 19th-century origins.

The property, which reportedly has several bedrooms, also includes increased security measures to protect the mayor and his family.

Supernatural Speculation

Past occupants have alleged that Gracie Mansion also has spiritual residents.

Chirlane McCray, the partner of previous mayor Bill De Blasio, told reporters that doors would sometimes open and closing inexplicably, and the floorboards made strange noises.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was even more convinced. "I don't care what people claim," he stated in 2022. "It has spirits in there, man."

A Critical Policy Issue

The apartment he is leaving is rent-stabilized, a policy where the city sets limits on how much landlords can increase rent each year.

City residents see such units as essential protections as the housing expenses outpaces what many can afford.

It was reported Mamdani was paying approximately $2,300 each month for his apartment.

Per figures from the real estate platform Zillow, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 a month.