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Mayor Mamdani appoints ex-DSA chair as new NYC nightlife director
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Nov 13, 2026 at 4:32 p.m. ET
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Nick Weber
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Nov 13, 2026 at 4:32 p.m. ET
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Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced his pick for the so-called nightlife mayor Friday: a freelance web developer who recently served as cochair of New York City’s chapter of the Democratic Socialist of America.
Eric Thor’s appointment to lead the Office of Nightlife was announced in a Paper Magazine profile portraying him as a familiar figure in the city’s lefty political scene and a regular clubgoer in East Williamsburg and Bushwick.
The role has gained increasing prominence as other cities establish similar offices focused on nightlife. But Thor’s hiring came as a surprise to Andrew Rigie, the executive director of the influential New York City Hospitality Alliance.
Rigie serves as the chair of advisory board for the Office of Nightlife, which was established to work with the director and administration on nightlife matters.
“It’s strikingly bizarre that they wouldn’t reach out to the Office of Nightlife Advisory Board,” he said.
Rigie said the job of nightlife mayor serves as both an ambassador for the city’s diverse hospitality scene and government liaison who can help establishments cut red tape and mediate disputes with residents.
Following a boost from the Knicks historic playoff run and World Cup, many establishments say they are struggling. A recent survey of 275 bars and restaurants by Rigie’s hospitality alliance found that owners were either breaking even or operating at a loss during the third quarter of this year.
Thor, an Astoria resident who works as a freelance web developer, worked on both Mamdani’s state assembly and mayoral campaigns. His LinkedIn profile states that he “guided the mayoral endorsement process of Zohran K. Mamdani” for the NYC-DSA. His website cites a digital affordability calculator he created for his campaign that shows how much New Yorkers might save under Mamdani.
His online resume does not include any experience working in the nightlife industry.
In a press release, Mamdani described the city’s nightlife as a “lifeline for small businesses” and praised Thor’s experience as a political organizer.
“Eric has spent years organizing alongside working people and he will bring that same commitment building a nightlife economy that works for everyone,” Mamdani said.
Ariel Palitz, the city’s first nightlife mayor, said Thor reached out to her on Friday.
“Although it’s not yet clear to me what his nightlife experience is, I’m sure he and I will be having many conversations,” said Palitz, who now runs a consulting group on nightlife policy.
“I’m just grateful that the mayor sees the value in this office,” she added.
Thor referred questions to the mayor’s press office. The mayor’s office did not respond to Gothamist’s inquiry about the appointment process and Thor’s salary.
Jeffrey Garcia, the previous nightlife director appointed by then-Mayor Eric Adams, earned $146,000, according to data compiled by the Empire Center.
Garcia, who declined to comment, was a former NYPD detective. He previously owned a coffee and wine bar in the Bronx.
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Elizabeth Kim
Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
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