By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-12 14:53:52 | Updated at 2026-08-12 17:54:53
3 hours ago
A video of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and a mystery female staffer has gone viral, with the internet ablaze, wanting to know more about the glamorous 'woman in black.'
The popular TikTok account, Underground NYC, which shares portraits of New Yorkers, posted a behind-the-scenes video of Mamdani's photoshoot, which began with one of his staffers triumphantly clearing the way.
His staffer, dressed in an all-black suit, heels, and sunglasses, drew the attention of thousands of commenters who asked who she was.
Many were quick to identify her as Audra Heinrichs, the mayor's Deputy Director of Advance.
'I apologized and said excuse me to my girl. Big fan of her work!' one comment read.
'I felt like I was in her way,' another added.
'Oh she is strict,' wrote a third.
'Sunglasses in a subway car is a vibe for sure,' a fourth noted.
Audra Heinrichs has gone viral online after social media users noted her attitude in a recent video with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani
Heinrichs was seen in the video in an all-black suit directing people. Many commenters immediately recognized her
Heinrichs serves as Mamdani's Deputy Director of Advance and previously worked on the mayor's campaign
'I legitimately thought this was a parody at first [crying emoji] she’s straight out of a movie omg,' a fifth added.
Even Peloton star Cody Rigsby noticed the video, writing, 'Who is the queen running the show? I know she doesn’t play about a single damn thing.'
Heinrichs' LinkedIn profile lists her current occupation as the mayor's Deputy Director of Advance, which is responsible for overseeing and planning events and briefing the media.
Heinrichs also served as Mamdani's Press Advance Lead and Events Consultant during his campaign and organized his election-night rally, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Before working for Mamdani, she served in the same role for Senator Bernie Sanders, coordinating press logistics for his Fighting Oligarchy Tour.
Heinrichs was a journalist before pivoting to politics. She was a staff writer for Jezebel, a progressive feminist publication, until last year.
Jezebel briefly shut down in 2023, and Heinrichs told the Guardian at the time that she was 'certainly not surprised' but was 'heartbroken' by the site's closure.
She has continued to have bylines for the publication, writing about Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively's lawsuit in November.
Heinrichs also worked as a journalist and wrote for the progressive feminist publication, Jezebel
Social media users commented on her attitude, writing 'Oh she is strict,' and 'I legitimately thought this was a parody at first'
Heinrichs also wrote a scathing piece about Bari Weiss in October, calling her a 'Zionist fanatic' who has begun a 'reign of terror' at CBS News.
In 2021, she had a byline in a Washington Post article about abortion restrictions in Texas and Republican states.
She has also written for Teen Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, The Independent, The Telegraph and Rolling Stone.
Heinrichs' website says she is from Ohio but has 'lived happily in New York City for ten years.'
The Daily Mail has reached out to Heinrichs and the mayor's office for comment.
