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During an inauguration day in the mayor's office, Zohran Mamdani committed to “transform” the metropolis, declaring “a different age” and an ambitious beginning to his administration.

An Unprecedented Mayor

The 34-year-old democratic socialist, who just a year ago remained a virtually unknown state assemblyman, now stands as the city's first mayor born in Africa. He additionally marked a milestone by being the inaugural to be sworn in using the Qur'an.

“A time such as this seldom arrives and rarer still is it that the citizens whose hold the levers of change,” Mamdani stated.

Rejecting counsel to temper hopes, the mayor declared: “I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to redefine is that of modest goals. Beginning today we will rule with courage and vision.”

Adhering to Democratic Socialist Convictions

Mamdani openly embraced his core beliefs. “I was elected as a socialist leader and I will govern as one. I will not forsake my convictions for worry of being called radical,” he said to loud cheers.

The ceremony was a two-part event, starting with a late-night oath-taking in a former subway station. He was officially inaugurated on the steps of city hall by Vermont independent senator Bernie Sanders, who praised Mamdani's election as a victory over the status quo.

A Costly Policy Agenda

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

• Subsidized daycare
• Fare-free public buses
• A rent freeze for about 1 million households
• A trial program of city-run grocery stores

The estimated $10 billion cost of these programs may pose a hurdle to finance. Mamdani has vowed to tax more heavily the richest residents and corporations. However, as a city under the authority of the state government, he will require the backing of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Managing External Challenges

The new mayor must contend with concern from some Jewish New Yorkers alarmed by his past stances regarding Israel. Tensions were highlighted during the transition when a senior aide stepped down over controversial past social media posts.

Mamdani has moved to address these tensions by convincing Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to stay on, preventing the optics of losing a Jewish police chief.

On the national stage, former President Donald Trump has labeled Mamdani a “communist” and warned of withholding federal funding. Despite this, a recent meeting between the two was reportedly surprisingly cordial.

The Basic Challenges of Governing

In the end, New York mayors are evaluated by their success in delivering essential functions: sanitation, curbing the rat infestation, repairing roadways, and ensuring reliable subway operation.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams highlighted his administration's public safety record, citing historically low numbers of murders and shootings in 2025, with murders reported.

As his work begins, Mamdani and his wife will move from their Queens apartment to the historic mayoral residence. The outgoing mayor offered a quirky warning about a reputed resident spirit in the home, which reportedly only haunts those who do not act to “do right by the city.”

Mamdani ended his speech with a simple statement: “The work has only just begun.”