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During an first day in office, Zohran Mamdani vowed to “reinvent” America's largest city, declaring “a new era” and an ambitious start to his tenure.

A Groundbreaking Figure

The new democratic socialist, who was a virtually unknown state assemblyman, is the city's first mayor born in Africa. He additionally marked a milestone by being the first to be take the oath of office using the Qur'an.

“A opportunity of this kind comes rarely and rarer still is it that the citizens whose hands are upon the mechanisms of progress,” Mamdani added.

Ignoring suggestions to lower expectations, the mayor was emphatic: “I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to reset is that of modest goals. Beginning today we will govern boldly and broadly.”

Adhering to Democratic Socialist Ideals

Mamdani openly embraced his socialist politics. “I was elected as a socialist leader and I will govern as one. I will not compromise my ideals for fear of being called radical,” he said to loud cheers.

The ceremony was a two-part event, starting with a late-night oath-taking in a disused subway station. He was officially inaugurated on the steps of city hall by Vermont independent senator Bernie Sanders, who spoke of Mamdani's rise as a victory over the status quo.

A Costly Policy Agenda

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

• Free childcare
• Fare-free public buses
• A cap on rents for about 1 million households
• A trial program of municipally-operated grocery stores

The projected $10 billion price tag of these programs may be challenging to finance. Mamdani has pledged to increase levies for the richest residents and corporations. However, as a city subject to the state government, he will require the backing of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Managing Political Dynamics

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

Mamdani has sought to ease these tensions by persuading Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to remain, avoiding the optics of losing a top Jewish official.

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

The Fundamental Tests of Governing

Ultimately, New York mayors are judged on their ability in providing basic services: trash collection, curbing the rodent problem, repairing potholes, and ensuring smooth subway service.

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

As his work begins, Mamdani and his wife will relocate from their Astoria apartment to the historic Gracie Mansion. The outgoing mayor offered a unusual piece of advice about a supposed friendly ghost in the home, which reportedly only troubles those who do not act to “do right by the city.”

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