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In a inauguration day in office, Zohran Mamdani pledged to “reinvent” New York City, promising “a different age” and an bold beginning to his administration.

An Unprecedented Leader

The 34-year-old political star, who just a year ago remained a relatively obscure state assemblyman, now stands as the city's first Muslim mayor. He also made history by being the first to be sworn in using the Qur'an.

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

Rejecting counsel to lower expectations, 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 with courage and vision.”

Steering by Socialist Principles

Mamdani explicitly affirmed his core beliefs. “I was elected as a socialist leader and I will govern as one. I will not forsake my principles for fear of being called radical,” he proclaimed to rapturous applause.

The swearing-in was a dual event, beginning with a late-night oath-taking in a former subway station. He was formally sworn in on the front steps of city hall by Vermont independent senator Bernie Sanders, who spoke of Mamdani's election as a victory over the status quo.

A Costly Platform

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

• Free childcare
• Free buses
• A rent freeze for nearly 1 million households
• A experiment of municipally-operated grocery stores

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

Managing External Headwinds

The new mayor will deal with concern from some Jewish New Yorkers alarmed by his past stances regarding Israel. Sensitivities were revealed during the transition when a senior aide resigned over offensive past social media posts.

Mamdani has sought to smooth over these concerns by convincing 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 warned of withholding government money. Despite this, a recent meeting between the two was described as unexpectedly productive.

The Basic Challenges of Governing

In the end, New York mayors are evaluated by their ability in providing city upkeep: trash collection, reducing the rodent problem, repairing potholes, and making sure smooth subway operation.

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

As his work starts, Mamdani and his wife will move from their Queens apartment to the historic mayoral residence. The previous occupant offered a unusual piece of advice about a reputed resident spirit in the home, which reportedly only haunts those who fail to “do right by the city.”

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