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On his initial day in office, Zohran Mamdani vowed to “transform” the metropolis, promising “a different age” and an ambitious beginning to his tenure.

An Unprecedented Figure

The young figure, who was a relatively obscure state assemblyman, is the city's first mayor born in Africa. He also made history by being the first to be take the oath of office using the Islamic holy text.

“A moment like this is rare and even more uncommon is it that the citizens whose hold the controls for transformation,” Mamdani remarked.

Defying suggestions to be modest, 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 boldly and broadly.”

Steering by Democratic Socialist Principles

Mamdani explicitly affirmed his socialist politics. “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will lead as one. I will not compromise my principles for worry of being called extreme,” he said to an enthusiastic response.

The swearing-in was a dual event, starting with a midnight oath-taking in a disused 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 rise as a victory over political establishments.

A Sweeping Policy Agenda

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

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

The projected $10 billion price tag of these programs may be challenging to fund. Mamdani has vowed to increase levies for 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.

Navigating External Challenges

The new mayor will deal with apprehension from some Jewish New Yorkers alarmed by his past comments regarding Israel. Tensions were highlighted during the transition when a appointments director resigned over controversial past social media posts.

Mamdani has attempted to address these concerns by persuading Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to stay on, preventing the appearance of losing a Jewish police chief.

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 cordial.

The Basic Tests of Governing

Ultimately, New York mayors are evaluated by their ability in delivering city upkeep: sanitation, reducing the rat infestation, fixing potholes, and ensuring reliable subway service.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams highlighted his administration's anti-crime efforts, citing historically low numbers of murders and shootings in 2025, with 301 homicides reported.

As his term begins, Mamdani and his wife will move from their Queens apartment to the stately Gracie Mansion. The outgoing mayor offered a quirky piece of advice about a supposed 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 declaration: “The work has only just begun.”