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During an initial day in his new role, Zohran Mamdani vowed to “transform” the metropolis, declaring “a different age” and an audacious beginning to his tenure.

An Unprecedented Mayor

The 34-year-old political star, who just a year ago remained a virtually unknown state assemblyman, now stands as the city's first mayor born in Africa. He also made history by being the inaugural to be take the oath of office using the Islamic holy text.

“A time such as this comes rarely and even more uncommon is it that the people themselves whose hold the levers of change,” Mamdani added.

Defying advice to temper hopes, the mayor was emphatic: “I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to reset is that of limited ambitions. Beginning today we will lead expansively and audaciously.”

Steering by Democratic Socialist Convictions

Mamdani did not shy away from his socialist politics. “I was elected as a socialist leader and I will govern as one. I will not compromise my ideals for worry of being called radical,” he proclaimed to loud cheers.

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

An Ambitious Platform

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

• Subsidized daycare
• No-cost bus transit
• A cap on rents for about 1 million households
• A trial program of city-run grocery stores

The estimated $10 billion expense of these programs may be challenging to secure. Mamdani has vowed to increase levies for the richest residents and big business. However, as a city under the authority of the state government, he will require the legislative support of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Facing External Challenges

The new mayor also faces 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 offensive past comments.

Mamdani has attempted to ease these tensions by persuading Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to stay on, preventing the optics of losing a top Jewish official.

On the national stage, former President Donald Trump has labeled Mamdani a “socialist” and warned of withholding government money. Despite this, a prior meeting between the two was described as unexpectedly cordial.

The Fundamental Challenges of Governing

Ultimately, New York mayors are judged on their success in delivering essential functions: trash collection, reducing the rat infestation, fixing potholes, and ensuring smooth transit service.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams touted his administration's anti-crime efforts, pointing to historically low numbers of murders and gun violence in 2025, with 301 homicides 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 unusual piece of advice about a reputed friendly ghost in the home, which reportedly only haunts those who fail to “do right by the city.”

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