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During an first day in his new role, Zohran Mamdani committed to “reinvent” New York City, ushering in “a fresh chapter” and an ambitious commencement to his tenure.

A Historic Mayor

The young political star, who just a year ago remained a virtually unknown state assemblyman, has become 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 Islamic holy text.

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

Defying counsel to temper hopes, the mayor declared: “I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to change is that of modest goals. Beginning today we will govern boldly and broadly.”

Governing with Socialist Convictions

Mamdani did not shy away from his socialist politics. “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will lead as one. I will not compromise my principles for worry of being called radical,” he said to rapturous applause.

The inauguration was a dual event, starting with a midnight oath-taking in a old subway station. He was formally sworn in on the front steps of city hall by political ally Bernie Sanders, who spoke of Mamdani's ascent as a victory over political establishments.

An Ambitious Policy Agenda

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

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

The projected $10 billion price tag of these programs may pose a hurdle to finance. Mamdani has vowed to increase levies for the richest residents and big business. However, as a city under the authority of the state government, he will require the cooperation of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Facing External Headwinds

The new mayor will deal with apprehension from some members of the Jewish community alarmed by his past criticisms regarding Israel. Sensitivities were revealed during the transition when a senior aide resigned over offensive past comments.

Mamdani has sought to address these tensions by persuading Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to stay on, preventing 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 prior encounter between the two was described as unexpectedly productive.

The Basic Tests of Leadership

In the end, New York mayors are judged on their ability in delivering essential functions: sanitation, reducing the rat infestation, fixing roadways, and ensuring smooth transit service.

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

As his term starts, Mamdani and his wife will move from their Queens apartment to the stately mayoral residence. The outgoing mayor offered a unusual piece of advice about a reputed resident spirit in the home, which allegedly only troubles those who fail to “do right by the city.”

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