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On his first day in office, Zohran Mamdani committed to “reinvent” the metropolis, promising “a different age” and an audacious beginning to his administration.

A Groundbreaking Figure

The young political star, who was a virtually unknown state assemblyman, has become the city's first Muslim mayor. He also made history by being the first to be sworn in using the Qur'an.

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

Defying counsel to temper hopes, the mayor declared: “I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to redefine is that of small expectations. Beginning today we will govern expansively and audaciously.”

Steering by Democratic Socialist Principles

Mamdani openly embraced his political ideology. “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will lead as one. I will not abandon my ideals for worry of being called radical,” he said to rapturous applause.

The ceremony was a dual event, beginning with a midnight oath-taking in a old 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.

An Ambitious Policy Agenda

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

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

The projected $10 billion expense of these programs may be challenging to secure. Mamdani has pledged to raise taxes on the richest residents and corporations. However, as a municipality subject to the state government, he will require the cooperation of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Navigating Political Headwinds

The new mayor must contend with skepticism from some Jewish New Yorkers concerned about his past stances regarding Israel. Tensions were revealed during the transition when a appointments director resigned over controversial past comments.

Mamdani has moved to smooth over these concerns by convincing 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 warned of withholding federal funding. Despite this, a recent meeting between the two was described as unexpectedly friendly.

The Basic Tests of Leadership

Traditionally, New York mayors are judged on their success in delivering city upkeep: sanitation, curbing the rat infestation, fixing potholes, and ensuring smooth subway service.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams highlighted his team's anti-crime efforts, citing record low numbers of murders and gun violence in 2025, with 301 homicides recorded.

As his administration begins, Mamdani and his wife will relocate from their Queens apartment to the stately mayoral residence. The outgoing mayor offered a unusual warning about a reputed friendly ghost in the home, which allegedly only haunts those who do not act to “do right by the city.”

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