FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker says ideology and faith influenced his resignation following Mamdani’s mayoral victory

FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker has spoken publicly for the first time about his decision to resign just one day after Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral election.

In an interview on CBS Mornings, Tucker described stepping down as “an emotional and complicated decision,” adding that he and Mamdani hold sharply different views on issues he considers fundamental. Tucker was appointed commissioner in August 2024 and submitted his resignation on November 5.

His departure contrasts with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who accepted Mamdani’s request to remain in her role. In the months leading up to the election, Mamdani softened earlier criticisms of the NYPD and clarified that he was not campaigning to defund the police.

Tucker said that despite Mamdani’s efforts, earning the trust of first responders will take more work. He also pointed to the mayor-elect’s position on Israel — particularly Mamdani’s refusal to affirm Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state — as a concern for many Jewish New Yorkers. Tucker, who is Jewish, acknowledged this as “a factor, no doubt,” though not the sole reason for his resignation.

Exit polls show that 65% of Jewish voters supported independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, while 31% voted for Mamdani. Mamdani won every borough except Staten Island and is set to become New York City’s first Muslim mayor.

Although Mamdani has promised to protect and value Jewish communities, some leaders, including Rabbi Angela Buchdahl of Central Synagogue, remain skeptical. Buchdahl previously accused him of contributing to the rise of antisemitism, and Tucker said he would like to see more concrete action from the mayor-elect.

He cited Mamdani’s response to a protest at an Upper East Side synagogue last week, where activists issued threats. A spokesperson said Mamdani discouraged the language, but also suggested the event was promoting activities that violated international law. Tucker believes Mamdani should have condemned the incident more forcefully and more quickly.

Tucker also revealed that neither he nor the FDNY has been contacted by Mamdani’s transition team. “I only hope that isn’t an indicator of how they view the FDNY,” he said.

Mamdani’s camp did not respond to CBS News’ request for comment.