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During an inauguration day in his new role, Zohran Mamdani vowed to “transform” America's largest city, declaring “a new era” and an bold beginning to his administration.

An Unprecedented Mayor

The 34-year-old democratic socialist, who just a year ago remained a relatively obscure state assemblyman, is the city's first mayor born in Africa. He also made history by being the inaugural to be take the oath of office using the Qur'an.

“A time such as this seldom arrives and rarer still is it that the people themselves whose grasp the controls for transformation,” Mamdani added.

Ignoring suggestions to be modest, the mayor asserted: “I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to redefine is that of limited ambitions. Beginning today we will rule expansively and audaciously.”

Steering by Socialist Principles

Mamdani explicitly affirmed his socialist politics. “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will lead as one. I will not abandon my principles for concern of being called extreme,” he said to rapturous applause.

The ceremony was a two-part event, beginning with a midnight oath-taking in a former subway station. He was formally sworn in on the steps of city hall by political ally Bernie Sanders, who spoke of Mamdani's election as a victory over political establishments.

A Sweeping Policy Agenda

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

• Subsidized daycare
• No-cost bus transit
• A halt to rent increases for about 1 million households
• A pilot of city-run grocery stores

The projected $10 billion price tag of these initiatives may prove difficult to fund. Mamdani has pledged to raise taxes on the city's top earners and corporations. However, as a municipality subject to the state government, he will require the backing of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Facing Political Dynamics

The new mayor also faces skepticism from some members of the Jewish community concerned about his past criticisms regarding Israel. Tensions were highlighted during the transition when a appointments director stepped down over controversial past comments.

Mamdani has sought to address these tensions by persuading Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to stay on, 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 federal funding. Despite this, a prior encounter between the two was reportedly unexpectedly productive.

The Fundamental Tests of Leadership

In the end, New York mayors are evaluated by their ability in delivering basic services: sanitation, reducing the rodent problem, fixing potholes, and ensuring smooth subway service.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams touted his team's anti-crime efforts, pointing to historically low numbers of murders and shootings in 2025, with murders reported.

As his work begins, Mamdani and his wife will move from their Queens apartment to the historic mayoral residence. The outgoing mayor offered a quirky piece of advice about a supposed friendly ghost in the home, which allegedly only troubles those who do not act to “do right by the city.”

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