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During an initial day in his new role, Zohran Mamdani pledged to “reinvent” the metropolis, promising “a new era” and an bold commencement to his term.

An Unprecedented Figure

The young figure, who was a virtually unknown state assemblyman, has become the city's first Muslim mayor. He also made history by being the inaugural to be sworn in using the Qur'an.

“A time such as this seldom arrives and even more uncommon is it that the public whose hands are upon the mechanisms of progress,” Mamdani added.

Rejecting suggestions to be modest, the mayor declared: “I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to change is that of small expectations. Beginning today we will govern expansively and audaciously.”

Governing with Socialist Principles

Mamdani did not shy away from his socialist politics. “I was elected as a socialist leader and I will lead as one. I will not forsake my convictions for concern of being called extreme,” he proclaimed to rapturous applause.

The inauguration 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 political ally Bernie Sanders, who praised Mamdani's ascent as a victory over the status quo.

A Costly Blueprint

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

• Subsidized daycare
• Fare-free public buses
• A cap on rents for nearly 1 million households
• A pilot of city-run grocery stores

The estimated $10 billion price tag of these programs may prove difficult to finance. Mamdani has pledged to tax more heavily the richest residents and corporations. However, as a city under the authority of the state government, he will require the legislative support of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Navigating External Dynamics

The new mayor will deal with apprehension from some members of the Jewish community alarmed by his past comments regarding Israel. Tensions were highlighted during the transition when a appointments director resigned over controversial past tweets.

Mamdani has sought to address these tensions by convincing Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to stay on, avoiding the optics of losing a Jewish police chief.

On the national stage, former President Donald Trump has called Mamdani a “communist” and threatened withholding federal funding. Despite this, a prior encounter between the two was reportedly unexpectedly cordial.

The Basic Challenges of Governing

Traditionally, New York mayors are judged on their ability in delivering basic services: sanitation, curbing the rat infestation, fixing roadways, and ensuring reliable transit operation.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams highlighted his administration's public safety record, citing record low numbers of homicides and gun violence in 2025, with 301 homicides reported.

As his administration begins, Mamdani and his wife will relocate from their Astoria apartment to the historic Gracie Mansion. The previous occupant offered a quirky warning about a reputed friendly ghost in the home, which allegedly only troubles those who fail to “do right by the city.”

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