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In a first day in his new role, Zohran Mamdani pledged to “reinvent” New York City, promising “a new era” and an ambitious beginning to his administration.

A Groundbreaking Leader

The 34-year-old democratic socialist, who was a relatively obscure state assemblyman, is the city's first mayor of South Asian descent. He additionally marked a milestone by being the first to be sworn in using the Qur'an.

“A time such as this comes rarely and rarer still is it that the citizens whose hands are upon the levers of change,” Mamdani added.

Defying counsel to be modest, the mayor declared: “I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to change is that of limited ambitions. Beginning today we will rule with courage and vision.”

Adhering to Democratic Socialist Ideals

Mamdani explicitly affirmed his core beliefs. “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will lead as one. I will not abandon my ideals for worry of being called extreme,” he said to rapturous applause.

The inauguration was a two-part event, starting with a late-night oath-taking in a disused subway station. He was formally sworn in on the front steps of city hall by political ally Bernie Sanders, who praised Mamdani's rise as a victory over powerful interests.

A Costly Platform

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

• Subsidized daycare
• Free buses
• A halt to rent increases for nearly 1 million households
• A trial program of municipally-operated grocery stores

The estimated $10 billion cost of these programs may pose a hurdle to secure. Mamdani has vowed to increase levies for the wealthiest New Yorkers and big business. However, as a city under the authority of the state government, he will require the backing of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Facing External Challenges

The new mayor also faces skepticism from some Jewish New Yorkers alarmed by his past stances regarding Israel. Tensions were highlighted during the transition when a senior aide stepped down over offensive past social media posts.

Mamdani has sought to smooth over these tensions by persuading 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 “socialist” and warned of withholding government money. Despite this, a prior encounter between the two was reportedly unexpectedly productive.

The Fundamental Tests of Leadership

Ultimately, New York mayors are judged on their success in providing basic services: trash collection, curbing the rodent problem, fixing roadways, and ensuring smooth transit service.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams touted his team's anti-crime efforts, pointing to historically low numbers of murders and shootings in 2025, with 301 homicides reported.

As his term starts, Mamdani and his wife will move from their Queens apartment to the stately Gracie Mansion. The previous occupant offered a unusual piece of advice about a supposed friendly ghost in the home, which reportedly only haunts those who fail to “do right by the city.”

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