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In a first day in his new role, Zohran Mamdani pledged to “transform” the metropolis, ushering in “a fresh chapter” and an ambitious start to his administration.

A Groundbreaking Mayor

The 34-year-old figure, who just a year ago remained a relatively obscure state assemblyman, now stands as 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 hold the mechanisms of progress,” Mamdani stated.

Ignoring suggestions to be modest, the mayor asserted: “I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to change is that of limited ambitions. Beginning today we will lead expansively and audaciously.”

Steering by Socialist Convictions

Mamdani openly embraced his socialist politics. “I was elected as a socialist leader and I will lead as one. I will not forsake my principles for worry of being called extreme,” 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 steps of city hall by Vermont independent senator Bernie Sanders, who praised Mamdani's election as a victory over political establishments.

An Ambitious Policy Agenda

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

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

The estimated $10 billion price tag of these programs may be challenging to finance. Mamdani has pledged to raise taxes on the city's top earners and corporations. However, as a city subject to the state government, he will require the backing of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Navigating External Headwinds

The new mayor will deal with apprehension from some Jewish New Yorkers concerned about his past criticisms regarding Israel. Tensions were highlighted during the transition when a senior aide stepped down over controversial past comments.

Mamdani has sought to address these concerns by convincing Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to remain, avoiding the appearance of losing a Jewish police chief.

On the national stage, former President Donald Trump has called Mamdani a “socialist” and threatened withholding federal funding. Despite this, a prior meeting between the two was described as surprisingly productive.

The Core Tests of Leadership

Traditionally, New York mayors are judged on their success in delivering essential functions: sanitation, curbing the rat infestation, repairing potholes, and ensuring reliable subway service.

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

As his work begins, Mamdani and his wife will move from their Queens apartment to the historic mayoral residence. The previous occupant offered a quirky piece of advice about a supposed friendly ghost in the home, which allegedly only haunts those who fail to “do right by the city.”

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