New York City Mayor Mamdani has come under scrutiny for his recent appointments to the city’s Judicial Advisory Committee, amid criticism over the backgrounds of several members and perceived omissions.

Among the 18 individuals named to the committee, the mayor did not include any Jewish representatives, according to critics. Notably, retired Judge John Leventhal, who previously served on the legal team for Ghislaine Maxwell—a convicted sex-trafficking associate of Jeffrey Epstein—was reportedly rejected by the mayor. At the same time, the committee includes figures whose affiliations and histories have drawn controversy.

One such appointee is Soffiyah Elijah, a prominent prison-reform activist and founder of the Alliance of Families for Justice. Elijah has a legal background representing high-profile figures such as Marilyn Buck, associated with the Weather Underground militant group, and Mumia Abu-Jamal, a self-identified political prisoner convicted of killing Philadelphia police Officer Daniel Faulkner. Her appointment has sparked strong objections from law enforcement circles. Scott Munro, president of the Detectives Endowment Association, expressed outrage, stating that assigning someone with close ties to individuals convicted of killing police officers to a judicial advisory role is “disrespectful” to officers and their families.

Another member of the committee is Jared Trujillo, a former attorney with the New York chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and current professor at CUNY Law School. Trujillo has openly acknowledged having worked as a sex worker prior to his legal career—a fact noted in public discourse around his appointment.

Supporters of the mayor have characterized the selections as an effort to diversify perspectives and bring a wider array of experiences to the committee responsible for vetting judicial candidates. Mamdani, known for his progressive stances and vocal criticism of Israel, has faced pressure to reflect a more varied ideological spectrum within the committee.

The Judicial Advisory Committee plays a significant role in recommending candidates for judicial appointments in New York, with its composition often scrutinized for potential political and social implications. The recent appointments have ignited a debate over the balance between inclusivity, professional background, and perceived loyalty within such influential municipal bodies.