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In a first day in office, Zohran Mamdani vowed to “reimagine” the metropolis, promising “a different age” and an ambitious beginning to his administration.

An Unprecedented Figure

The 34-year-old political star, who just a year ago remained a relatively obscure state assemblyman, has become the city's first mayor born in Africa. He also made history by being the first to be sworn in using the Qur'an.

“A moment like this seldom arrives and rarer still is it that the people themselves whose hands are upon the levers of change,” Mamdani remarked.

Rejecting advice 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 govern with courage and vision.”

Steering by Socialist Convictions

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

The inauguration was a two-part event, starting 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 praised Mamdani's rise as a victory over political establishments.

An Ambitious Policy Agenda

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

• Universal childcare
• No-cost bus transit
• A rent freeze for about 1 million households
• A pilot of municipally-operated grocery stores

The estimated $10 billion price tag of these initiatives may pose a hurdle to secure. Mamdani has vowed to tax more heavily the city's top earners and big business. However, as a municipality subject to the state government, he will require the backing of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Facing External Headwinds

The new mayor will deal with concern from some Jewish New Yorkers alarmed by his past stances regarding Israel. Tensions were revealed during the transition when a appointments director stepped down over controversial past comments.

Mamdani has moved to address these concerns by persuading Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to stay on, avoiding the optics of losing a Jewish police chief.

On the national stage, former President Donald Trump has labeled Mamdani a “socialist” and threatened withholding government money. Despite this, a prior encounter between the two was reportedly surprisingly friendly.

The Basic Tests of Governing

Ultimately, New York mayors are evaluated by their ability in delivering essential functions: trash collection, reducing the rodent problem, fixing roadways, and making sure smooth subway service.

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

As his work starts, Mamdani and his wife will relocate from their Astoria apartment to the stately mayoral residence. The outgoing mayor offered a unusual piece of advice about a reputed resident spirit in the home, which allegedly only troubles those who fail to “do right by the city.”

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