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During an initial day in his new role, Zohran Mamdani vowed to “reinvent” the metropolis, declaring “a new era” and an ambitious start to his term.

A Groundbreaking Mayor

The 34-year-old figure, who was a virtually unknown state assemblyman, is the city's first mayor of South Asian descent. He additionally marked a milestone by being the first to be sworn in using the Qur'an.

“A opportunity of this kind seldom arrives and even more uncommon is it that the people themselves whose hold the mechanisms of progress,” Mamdani added.

Ignoring advice to lower expectations, the mayor was emphatic: “I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to redefine is that of small expectations. Beginning today we will lead boldly and broadly.”

Governing with Socialist Principles

Mamdani openly embraced his socialist politics. “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will lead as one. I will not compromise my convictions for fear of being called extreme,” he proclaimed to an enthusiastic response.

The inauguration was a dual event, beginning with a midnight oath-taking in a old subway station. He was formally sworn in on the steps of city hall by Vermont independent senator Bernie Sanders, who spoke of Mamdani's election as a victory over the status quo.

A Sweeping Policy Agenda

Mamdani now begins one of the most challenging jobs in American politics, with a plan including:

• Free childcare
• No-cost bus transit
• A rent freeze for about 1 million households
• A experiment of city-run grocery stores

The projected $10 billion cost of these programs may prove difficult to fund. Mamdani has vowed to raise taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and big business. However, as a city under the authority of the state government, he will require the backing of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Facing External Headwinds

The new mayor also faces concern from some members of the Jewish community concerned about his past stances regarding Israel. Tensions were revealed during the transition when a senior aide stepped down over controversial past tweets.

Mamdani has attempted to ease these concerns by convincing Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to remain, avoiding the optics of losing a top Jewish official.

On the national stage, former President Donald Trump has labeled Mamdani a “communist” and warned of withholding government money. Despite this, a prior encounter between the two was described as surprisingly productive.

The Basic Tests of Leadership

In the end, New York mayors are evaluated by their success in providing basic services: sanitation, reducing the rat infestation, repairing potholes, and ensuring reliable transit service.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams touted his team's anti-crime efforts, pointing to historically low numbers of homicides and shootings in 2025, with murders reported.

As his work starts, Mamdani and his wife will move from their Astoria apartment to the stately Gracie Mansion. The outgoing mayor offered a unusual warning about a supposed friendly ghost in the home, which allegedly only troubles those who fail to “do right by the city.”

Mamdani concluded his address with a simple declaration: “The work has only just begun.”