NEWYORK, January 14, 2026 — Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced the nomination of Midori Valdivia as the next Chair and Commissioner of New York City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) on Tuesday evening, emphasizing his commitment to supporting the city’s taxi drivers.
Surrounded by members of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance at the event, Mamdani highlighted the essential role of taxi drivers in the city. “Taxi drivers show up for New Yorkers day and night, carrying our families, our workers, our city,” the mayor posted on X. “They deserve a government that shows up for them with the same consistency. Last night, I proudly nominated Midori Valdivia as the next TLC Commissioner — a leader who will stand with drivers and fight for them.”
Valdivia, a transportation expert with extensive public service experience, previously served as deputy commissioner at the TLC, where she advanced accessibility initiatives. She has also held senior roles at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The nomination aligns with Mamdani’s campaign promises to address longstanding issues in the taxi industry, including medallion debt relief for drivers — a cause championed by the Taxi Workers Alliance during his mayoral run.
Photos from the announcement captured Mamdani arriving in a traditional yellow cab with his wife, Rama Duwaji, as well as Valdivia addressing the crowd and drivers applauding enthusiastically.
The position requires confirmation by the New York City Council. If approved, Valdivia would oversee regulation of more than 115,000 for-hire vehicles in the city.
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