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On his inauguration day in office, Zohran Mamdani vowed to “reinvent” America's largest city, promising “a new era” and an audacious beginning to his term.

A Groundbreaking Figure

The 34-year-old political star, who was a virtually unknown state assemblyman, now stands as the city's first mayor of South Asian descent. He also made history by being the first to be take the oath of office using the Qur'an.

“A time such as this seldom arrives and rarer still is it that the people themselves whose hands are upon the controls for transformation,” Mamdani remarked.

Rejecting counsel to be modest, the mayor was emphatic: “I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to reset is that of small expectations. Beginning today we will lead expansively and audaciously.”

Adhering to Democratic Socialist Principles

Mamdani explicitly affirmed his political ideology. “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as one. I will not abandon my convictions for worry of being called radical,” he proclaimed to loud cheers.

The ceremony was a two-part event, starting with a midnight oath-taking in a disused subway station. He was formally sworn in on the front steps of city hall by Vermont independent senator Bernie Sanders, who praised Mamdani's election as a victory over the status quo.

A Sweeping Policy Agenda

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

• Universal childcare
• No-cost bus transit
• A rent freeze for approximately 1 million households
• A experiment of municipally-operated grocery stores

The estimated $10 billion cost of these services may pose a hurdle to fund. Mamdani has pledged to tax more heavily the city's top earners and big business. However, as a municipality subject to the state government, he will require the cooperation of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Facing Political Headwinds

The new mayor also faces apprehension from some Jewish New Yorkers concerned about his past criticisms regarding Israel. Tensions were highlighted during the transition when a senior aide resigned over offensive past comments.

Mamdani has attempted to ease these tensions by persuading Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to stay on, preventing the appearance of losing a top Jewish official.

On the national stage, former President Donald Trump has called Mamdani a “socialist” and threatened withholding government money. Despite this, a recent encounter between the two was reportedly unexpectedly friendly.

The Basic Challenges of Leadership

Traditionally, New York mayors are evaluated by their ability in delivering essential functions: trash collection, curbing the rodent problem, fixing potholes, and ensuring reliable subway service.

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

As his term begins, Mamdani and his wife will relocate from their Queens apartment to the stately Gracie Mansion. The outgoing mayor offered a quirky piece of advice about a supposed resident spirit in the home, which reportedly only troubles 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.”