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In a initial day in the mayor's office, Zohran Mamdani committed to “reinvent” the metropolis, promising “a fresh chapter” and an ambitious commencement to his administration.

A Historic Figure

The new political star, who just a year ago remained a relatively obscure state assemblyman, has become the city's first Muslim mayor. He also made history by being the first to be take the oath of office 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 added.

Rejecting advice to lower expectations, the mayor declared: “I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to change is that of limited ambitions. Beginning today we will rule boldly and broadly.”

Steering by Democratic Socialist Principles

Mamdani openly embraced his political ideology. “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as one. I will not compromise my convictions for worry of being called radical,” he proclaimed to an enthusiastic response.

The inauguration was a dual event, beginning with a midnight oath-taking in a old subway station. He was formally sworn in on the front steps of city hall by Vermont independent senator Bernie Sanders, who spoke of Mamdani's election as a victory over political establishments.

A Costly Blueprint

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

• Universal childcare
• Fare-free public buses
• A rent freeze for about 1 million households
• A pilot of municipally-operated grocery stores

The estimated $10 billion expense of these initiatives may pose a hurdle to secure. Mamdani has vowed to raise taxes on the richest residents and big business. However, as a municipality subject to the state government, he will require the backing of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Managing External Headwinds

The new mayor also faces apprehension from some members of the Jewish community alarmed by his past comments regarding Israel. Tensions were revealed during the transition when a senior aide resigned over offensive past social media posts.

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

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

The Basic Tests of Governing

Traditionally, New York mayors are judged on their ability in delivering city upkeep: trash collection, curbing the rodent problem, repairing potholes, and ensuring reliable transit operation.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams highlighted his team's public safety record, pointing to historically low numbers of murders and shootings in 2025, with 301 homicides recorded.

As his term begins, Mamdani and his wife will move from their Queens apartment to the stately Gracie Mansion. The outgoing mayor offered a unusual piece of advice about a supposed resident spirit in the home, which allegedly only haunts those who do not act to “do right by the city.”

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