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In a inauguration day in the mayor's office, Zohran Mamdani pledged to “reimagine” America's largest city, declaring “a different age” and an audacious beginning to his term.

A Groundbreaking Mayor

The new democratic socialist, who was a relatively obscure state assemblyman, is the city's first mayor of South Asian descent. He also made history by being the first to be sworn in using the Qur'an.

“A opportunity of this kind is rare and rarer still is it that the people themselves whose grasp the mechanisms of progress,” Mamdani added.

Rejecting counsel to be modest, the mayor asserted: “I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to redefine is that of modest goals. Beginning today we will govern expansively and audaciously.”

Steering by Democratic Socialist Principles

Mamdani explicitly affirmed his socialist politics. “I was elected as a socialist leader and I will lead as one. I will not abandon my convictions for worry of being called radical,” he said to loud cheers.

The ceremony was a dual event, starting with a late-night oath-taking in a former subway station. He was officially inaugurated on the front steps of city hall by Vermont independent senator Bernie Sanders, who praised Mamdani's ascent as a victory over powerful interests.

A Sweeping Policy Agenda

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

• Universal childcare
• No-cost bus transit
• A cap on rents for about 1 million households
• A experiment of municipally-operated grocery stores

The estimated $10 billion price tag of these services may pose a hurdle to secure. Mamdani has vowed to tax more heavily the richest residents 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 also faces skepticism from some Jewish New Yorkers concerned about his past criticisms regarding Israel. Tensions were revealed during the transition when a appointments director resigned over offensive past tweets.

Mamdani has moved to smooth over these concerns by convincing 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 warned of withholding government money. Despite this, a recent encounter between the two was reportedly surprisingly friendly.

The Basic Challenges of Governing

In the end, New York mayors are evaluated by their success in providing basic services: trash collection, curbing the rodent problem, repairing potholes, and ensuring reliable subway operation.

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

As his work begins, Mamdani and his wife will move from their Astoria apartment to the stately mayoral residence. The outgoing mayor offered a unusual piece of advice about a supposed resident spirit in the home, which allegedly only haunts those who do not act to “do right by the city.”

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