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On his inauguration day in office, Zohran Mamdani vowed to “transform” New York City, ushering in “a different age” and an bold beginning to his term.

A Historic Mayor

The young political star, who just a year ago remained a relatively obscure state assemblyman, now stands as the city's first mayor born in Africa. He additionally marked a milestone by being the first to be take the oath of office using the Islamic holy text.

“A opportunity of this kind is rare and even more uncommon is it that the public whose grasp the levers of change,” Mamdani added.

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

Steering by Socialist Principles

Mamdani did not shy away from his core beliefs. “I was elected as a socialist leader and I will govern as one. I will not abandon my principles for concern of being called extreme,” he said to rapturous applause.

The ceremony was a dual event, starting with a midnight oath-taking in a old subway station. He was officially inaugurated on the front steps of city hall by political ally Bernie Sanders, who praised Mamdani's rise as a victory over political establishments.

An Ambitious Policy Agenda

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

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

The projected $10 billion expense of these services may be challenging to finance. Mamdani has pledged to tax more heavily the richest residents and corporations. However, as a municipality under the authority of the state government, he will require the cooperation of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Facing Political Headwinds

The new mayor will deal with skepticism 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 social media posts.

Mamdani has sought to address these tensions by convincing Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to stay on, avoiding the appearance of losing a top Jewish official.

On the national stage, former President Donald Trump has called Mamdani a “communist” and warned of withholding federal funding. Despite this, a prior meeting between the two was described as unexpectedly friendly.

The Core Tests of Governing

In the end, New York mayors are evaluated by their success in delivering basic services: trash collection, reducing the rat infestation, repairing potholes, and ensuring smooth subway operation.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams highlighted his team's public safety record, citing record low numbers of murders and gun violence in 2025, with murders reported.

As his term starts, Mamdani and his wife will relocate 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 allegedly only haunts those who fail to “do right by the city.”

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