New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani named educator and YouTube star Ms. Rachel to his inauguration committee on Wednesday, elevating the children’s content creator and frequent lightning rod for conservative backlash into a high-profile role ahead of his Jan. 1, 2026, swearing-in.
Mamdani’s transition team said the committee will help plan and host a free public inauguration block party, billed as a citywide celebration that reflects the coalition behind his election. The group includes artists, labor leaders, organizers, business figures, and several campaign field leads who worked on Mamdani’s run.
“I’m honored to be joined by some of the most creative and experienced minds in the city as we build an inauguration that is truly by and for New Yorkers,” Mamdani said in a statement.
Ms. Rachel, whose real name is Rachel Griffin Accurso, is best known for her “Songs for Littles” YouTube channel, which focuses on early language development and has drawn a massive following among parents of young children. Her inclusion on the inaugural committee also brings renewed attention to criticisms she has faced over her public advocacy related to the Israel-Hamas war.
Accurso’s advocacy on behalf of children in Gaza has prompted some supporters of Israel to accuse her of showing greater sympathy toward Palestinian children than Israeli children, including those abducted during Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack. The advocacy group StopAntisemitism later named Accurso a finalist for its “Antisemite of the Year” designation. The group also sent a letter urging U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate whether Accurso has received funding to advance the agenda of Hamas.
Accurso has not been charged with any wrongdoing and has previously rejected accusations of antisemitism.
The inaugural committee also includes actress and activist Cynthia Nixon, novelists Colson Whitehead and Min Jin Lee, musicians Sonny Rollins and John Turturro, comedian The Kid Mero, and representatives from labor unions and community organizations across the city.
Earlier this week, Mamdani’s transition team announced that he will be sworn into office by New York Attorney General Letitia James, with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) also participating in the ceremony. The inauguration block party is free and open to the public, though space is limited, and attendees must RSVP through the transition website.
