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During an initial day in the mayor's office, Zohran Mamdani committed to “reimagine” the metropolis, ushering in “a new era” and an bold beginning to his term.

A Groundbreaking Figure

The new democratic socialist, who was a virtually unknown state assemblyman, is the city's first mayor of South Asian descent. He also made history by being the first to be take the oath of office using the Islamic holy text.

“A time such as this seldom arrives and even more uncommon is it that the citizens whose hands are upon the mechanisms of progress,” Mamdani stated.

Ignoring counsel to be modest, the mayor declared: “I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to reset is that of modest goals. Beginning today we will govern with courage and vision.”

Steering by Socialist Principles

Mamdani explicitly affirmed his core beliefs. “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will lead as one. I will not compromise my principles for worry of being called radical,” he said to loud cheers.

The ceremony was a dual event, starting with a late-night oath-taking in a former subway station. He was formally sworn in on the steps of city hall by political ally Bernie Sanders, who spoke of Mamdani's ascent as a victory over the status quo.

A Costly Blueprint

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

• Universal childcare
• Free buses
• A rent freeze for approximately 1 million households
• A pilot of municipally-operated grocery stores

The estimated $10 billion cost of these programs may be challenging to secure. Mamdani has pledged to tax more heavily the wealthiest New Yorkers and big business. However, as a city subject to the state government, he will require the cooperation of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Managing External Headwinds

The new mayor will deal with concern from some members of the Jewish community alarmed by his past criticisms regarding Israel. Tensions were revealed during the transition when a senior aide resigned over controversial past comments.

Mamdani has sought to ease these tensions by persuading 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 threatened withholding federal funding. Despite this, a prior meeting between the two was reportedly surprisingly friendly.

The Basic Tests of Governing

Traditionally, New York mayors are evaluated by their success in providing city upkeep: sanitation, reducing the rat infestation, repairing roadways, and ensuring smooth subway service.

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

As his work begins, Mamdani and his wife will move from their Queens apartment to the stately mayoral residence. The outgoing mayor offered a quirky piece of advice about a supposed friendly ghost in the home, which allegedly only troubles those who fail to “do right by the city.”

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