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During an inauguration day in the mayor's office, Zohran Mamdani vowed to “transform” America's largest city, declaring “a new era” and an ambitious beginning to his term.

A Historic Leader

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 of South Asian descent. He also made history by being the first to be take the oath of office using the Qur'an.

“A time such as this is rare and even more uncommon is it that the citizens whose hands are upon the levers of change,” Mamdani added.

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

Governing with Socialist Principles

Mamdani did not shy away from his political ideology. “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as one. I will not compromise my ideals for worry of being called extreme,” he said to rapturous applause.

The ceremony was a dual event, beginning 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 Platform

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

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

The projected $10 billion cost of these programs may prove difficult to fund. Mamdani has pledged to increase levies for 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 Dynamics

The new mayor must contend with concern from some Jewish New Yorkers alarmed by his past stances regarding Israel. Sensitivities were revealed during the transition when a appointments director resigned over offensive past social media posts.

Mamdani has sought to address these concerns by persuading 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 prior encounter between the two was described as surprisingly cordial.

The Basic Tests of Governing

Ultimately, New York mayors are evaluated by their ability in providing essential functions: sanitation, reducing the rat infestation, fixing potholes, and ensuring smooth subway service.

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

As his work starts, Mamdani and his wife will move from their Queens apartment to the historic Gracie Mansion. The previous occupant offered a unusual warning about a reputed resident spirit in the home, which allegedly only troubles 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.”