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On his inauguration day in office, Zohran Mamdani pledged to “reinvent” America's largest city, declaring “a different age” and an ambitious beginning to his tenure.

A Groundbreaking Mayor

The new democratic socialist, who was a virtually unknown state assemblyman, is the city's first mayor born in Africa. He also made history by being the first to be take the oath of office using the Islamic holy text.

“A opportunity of this kind comes rarely and even more uncommon is it that the public whose hold the controls for transformation,” Mamdani added.

Rejecting advice to be modest, the mayor declared: “I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to reset is that of modest goals. Beginning today we will lead boldly and broadly.”

Adhering to Socialist Principles

Mamdani did not shy away from his core beliefs. “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will lead as one. I will not forsake my principles for worry of being called extreme,” he said to loud cheers.

The inauguration was a two-part event, starting with a late-night oath-taking in a former subway station. He was officially inaugurated on the steps of city hall by political ally Bernie Sanders, who spoke of Mamdani's ascent as a victory over the status quo.

A Costly Blueprint

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

• Universal childcare
• Free buses
• A rent freeze for about 1 million households
• A pilot of municipally-operated grocery stores

The estimated $10 billion cost of these programs may prove difficult to secure. Mamdani has vowed to tax more heavily the city's top earners and corporations. However, as a city subject to the state government, he will require the cooperation of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Managing Political Challenges

The new mayor will deal with apprehension from some members of the Jewish community concerned about his past stances regarding Israel. Tensions were highlighted during the transition when a senior aide stepped down over controversial past comments.

Mamdani has moved to ease these tensions by convincing Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to remain, 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 described as surprisingly productive.

The Core Tests of Governing

In the end, New York mayors are evaluated by their ability in delivering essential functions: sanitation, reducing the rat infestation, repairing potholes, and ensuring smooth transit operation.

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

As his work starts, Mamdani and his wife will relocate from their Queens apartment to the historic Gracie Mansion. The outgoing mayor offered a unusual warning 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 address with a direct statement: “The work has only just begun.”