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In a inauguration day in the mayor's office, Zohran Mamdani pledged to “transform” New York City, declaring “a new era” and an audacious start to his term.

A Historic Mayor

The new political star, who just a year ago remained a relatively obscure state assemblyman, is the city's first Muslim mayor. He also made history by being the first to be take the oath of office using the Qur'an.

“A time such as this is rare and rarer still is it that the people themselves whose hold the mechanisms of progress,” Mamdani remarked.

Ignoring advice to temper hopes, 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 rule expansively and audaciously.”

Steering by Democratic Socialist Convictions

Mamdani explicitly affirmed his socialist politics. “I was elected as a socialist leader and I will govern as one. I will not forsake my convictions for fear of being called radical,” he proclaimed to loud cheers.

The swearing-in was a dual event, starting with a midnight oath-taking in a former subway station. He was formally sworn in on the front steps of city hall by political ally Bernie Sanders, who spoke of Mamdani's rise as a victory over the status quo.

A Costly Platform

Mamdani now begins one of the most unrelenting jobs in American politics, with a agenda featuring:

• Universal childcare
• No-cost bus transit
• A rent freeze for about 1 million households
• A trial program of city-run grocery stores

The estimated $10 billion cost of these programs may pose a hurdle to secure. Mamdani has vowed to tax more heavily the richest residents and big business. However, as a municipality subject to the state government, he will require the legislative support of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Managing Political Headwinds

The new mayor also faces concern from some members of the Jewish community concerned about his past criticisms regarding Israel. Sensitivities were revealed during the transition when a senior aide stepped down over offensive past tweets.

Mamdani has sought to ease these concerns by persuading Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to stay on, avoiding the appearance 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 meeting between the two was described as surprisingly productive.

The Basic Challenges of Governing

In the end, New York mayors are judged on their ability in providing essential functions: trash collection, curbing the rat infestation, repairing roadways, and making sure reliable transit service.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams highlighted his team's anti-crime efforts, pointing to record low numbers of homicides and shootings in 2025, with 301 homicides recorded.

As his work starts, Mamdani and his wife will move from their Queens apartment to the historic Gracie Mansion. The outgoing mayor offered a unusual warning about a supposed resident spirit in the home, which allegedly only troubles those who do not act to “do right by the city.”

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