New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has named Pakistani-American attorney Ali Najmi as the new chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary, placing a longtime confidant at the center of the city’s judicial selection process.
In his new role, Najmi will oversee the committee responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and recommending candidates for judgeships in New York City’s Family and Criminal Courts, along with interim appointments to the Civil Court. The committee plays a critical role in shaping the city’s judiciary by vetting candidates before they are formally appointed.
Announcing the appointment, Mayor Mamdani emphasized his administration’s commitment to reforming the judicial selection process. He said the goal is to bring greater transparency, fairness, and public trust to how judges are chosen, while ensuring the judiciary reflects the diversity of the city it serves and applies the rule of law equally.
Mamdani praised Najmi’s decades-long legal career, describing him as uniquely qualified to lead the effort. He credited Najmi’s courtroom experience, integrity, and persistence as key strengths that will guide the committee’s work.
The appointment also highlights the deep personal and professional bond between the two men. Both residents of Queens, Mamdani and Najmi first crossed paths in 2015, when Mamdani volunteered on Najmi’s City Council campaign in eastern Queens. Though the campaign was unsuccessful, it marked the beginning of a close relationship that has endured for years.
Since then, Najmi has served as Mamdani’s legal advisor, election attorney, and mentor, supporting him through both his State Assembly run and his successful mayoral campaign. The pair have often spoken publicly about their close relationship, frequently referring to each other as brothers.
Najmi brings extensive experience in election and ballot-access law. Over the past 15 years, he has represented a wide range of insurgent and anti-establishment Democratic candidates, carving out a reputation as a leading legal strategist in progressive political circles. As recently as June, he represented at least 18 candidates during the Democratic primary season.
With Najmi at the helm of the Advisory Committee on the Judiciary, Mamdani’s administration appears poised to leave a distinct imprint on New York City’s courts—one shaped by reform, inclusion, and a renewed focus on judicial accountability.
