The New York City Council on Tuesday unanimously elected Julie Menin as its new speaker, making her the first Jewish person to hold the powerful leadership post in the body’s history.
Council members voted 51-0 to elevate Menin, a Manhattan Democrat and longtime civic leader, to the position that sets the council’s legislative agenda and serves as the chief counterweight to the mayor’s office.
The moment also marked a broader milestone in the city’s political history, with Menin becoming the first Jewish speaker to serve under New York City’s first Muslim mayor Zohran Mamdani, underscoring the city’s evolving diversity at the highest levels of government.
Menin called the vote a moment of pride for the city’s many communities and said she is committed to leading with fairness and inclusion.
“It is an extraordinary honor to serve as speaker of the New York City Council,” Menin said after the vote. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to deliver for every neighborhood and every New Yorker.”
Menin previously served as the city’s consumer affairs commissioner and later as director of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, building a reputation as a pragmatic leader with deep experience in city government.
Her election was widely seen as a unifying moment in a council often divided by ideology, with members from across the political spectrum praising her ability to bridge differences and build consensus.
As speaker, Menin will oversee budget negotiations, committee assignments and legislative priorities at a time when the city faces ongoing challenges related to public safety, affordability and social services.
Her unanimous election marks a new chapter for the City Council — and a historic moment reflecting the changing face of leadership in New York City.
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You forgot to add that she one against our local CH councilwoman Crystal Hudson who has done nothing for our community.
I hope Julie Menin will be a good speaker and do things for the community.
Council Member Hudson’s office has been very very helpful to our community. She was one of the main sponsors for the Rebbes street co- naming. She annually allocates funding to our community and her office staff is also very helpful in advocating for constituents, ie people who live in her district who need help with personal issues with City Agencies or with a City services such as DSNY, DOT, DOE, DOH MH etc. Rather than passing judgement because you may not agree with her on some issues, take time to research. Just so you know the Speaker of the City… Read more »