Marcus Molinaro has been nominated as the next administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

Molinaro served as U.S. representative for New York's 19th congressional district from 2023 to 2025, where he also served on the House Committee on Agriculture, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Small Business.   

He was also a member of the Dutchess County Legislature and the New York State Assembly, while beginning his career at the age of 19, serving as the youngest mayor in the U.S. at the time.

Reaction to FTA’s New Administrator

Leading a staff of over 700 employees in a Washington, DC headquarters' office and 10 regional offices, the Administrator manages an annual budget of approximately $22 billion and coordinates public transit policies, plans, programs, and activities with other offices of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Congress, and other government agencies. 

The Transport Workers Union of America — which represents tens of thousands of transit workers across the country — came out in strong support of Molinaro’s nomination.

“Marc Molinaro was a strong advocate for public transit in downstate New York while serving in Congress, and his experience will be essential for navigating transit issues nationwide,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “He has demonstrated a willingness to work with everyone — including trade unions — and he understands the challenges and issues the FTA will face. The TWU strongly supports Marc Molinaro’s nomination and urges his swift confirmation.” 

In a statement from American Public Transportation Association (APTA) President/CEO Paul P. Skoutelas said: 

“The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) congratulates former Representative Marcus Molinaro on his nomination as Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

“Public transportation fuels America’s economic prosperity. Our $79 billion industry employs 430,000 people directly and supports millions of private-sector jobs, driving growth and innovation across the nation. From bus and railcar manufacturing to component production, public transit powers a thriving domestic manufacturing sector through Buy America requirements and a robust supply chain.

“As the development of the next Surface Transportation Authorization Act approaches, APTA and its 1,600-plus member organizations are eager to collaborate with Mr. Molinaro. Together, we aim to secure robust federal investments that will strengthen our nation’s public transportation infrastructure, bolster the economy, and enhance mobility for all Americans.

“Mr. Molinaro’s experience and dedication to public transit position him to tackle the industry’s challenges and seize its opportunities. As a former New York County Executive and Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, he knows firsthand the difference that public transportation makes in people’s daily lives. We look forward to working with Mr. Molinaro to drive economic growth, create American manufacturing jobs, and build stronger communities through public transportation.”