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In a first day in his new role, Zohran Mamdani pledged to “transform” the metropolis, declaring “a new era” and an audacious commencement to his administration.

A Historic Mayor

The young democratic socialist, who just a year ago remained a relatively obscure state assemblyman, is the city's first Muslim mayor. He additionally marked a milestone by being the inaugural to be sworn in using the Islamic holy text.

“A time such as this comes rarely and even more uncommon is it that the citizens whose grasp the controls for transformation,” Mamdani added.

Rejecting counsel to lower expectations, the mayor asserted: “I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to change is that of limited ambitions. Beginning today we will rule with courage and vision.”

Governing with Democratic Socialist Ideals

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

The swearing-in was a dual event, starting with a late-night oath-taking in a former subway station. He was formally sworn in on the steps of city hall by Vermont independent senator Bernie Sanders, who praised Mamdani's rise as a victory over the status quo.

A Costly Platform

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

• Free childcare
• Fare-free public buses
• A cap on rents for approximately 1 million households
• A pilot of city-run grocery stores

The projected $10 billion cost of these programs may prove difficult to secure. Mamdani has vowed to increase levies for the city's top earners and big business. However, as a municipality under the authority of the state government, he will require the cooperation of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Navigating Political Challenges

The new mayor must contend with skepticism from some members of the Jewish community alarmed by his past comments regarding Israel. Sensitivities were highlighted during the transition when a appointments director resigned over controversial past comments.

Mamdani has sought to address these tensions 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 “socialist” and warned of withholding federal funding. Despite this, a recent meeting between the two was reportedly unexpectedly productive.

The Core Tests of Governing

Ultimately, New York mayors are evaluated by their success in providing basic services: sanitation, reducing the rat infestation, repairing roadways, and ensuring reliable transit service.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams touted his team's anti-crime efforts, citing historically low numbers of homicides 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 mayoral residence. The outgoing mayor offered a unusual warning about a supposed resident spirit in the home, which reportedly only troubles those who fail to “do right by the city.”

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