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In a initial day in his new role, Zohran Mamdani vowed to “transform” America's largest city, ushering in “a new era” and an audacious commencement to his administration.

An Unprecedented Figure

The young figure, who just a year ago remained a relatively obscure state assemblyman, has become the city's first mayor born in Africa. He also made history by being the inaugural to be take the oath of office using the Islamic holy text.

“A time such as this seldom arrives and even more uncommon is it that the citizens whose hands are upon the mechanisms of progress,” Mamdani added.

Ignoring advice 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 govern with courage and vision.”

Adhering to Democratic Socialist Convictions

Mamdani explicitly affirmed his socialist politics. “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as one. I will not abandon my convictions for concern of being called radical,” he said to an enthusiastic response.

The swearing-in was a two-part event, starting with a late-night 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 ascent as a victory over powerful interests.

A Costly Policy Agenda

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

• Subsidized daycare
• No-cost bus transit
• A cap on rents for about 1 million households
• A experiment of city-run grocery stores

The projected $10 billion price tag of these programs may prove difficult to secure. Mamdani has vowed to increase levies for the city's top earners and big business. However, as a city subject to the state government, he will require the backing of Governor Kathy Hochul.

Managing Political Headwinds

The new mayor will deal with apprehension from some Jewish New Yorkers alarmed by his past comments regarding Israel. Tensions were revealed during the transition when a senior aide stepped down over controversial past social media posts.

Mamdani has sought to address these concerns by convincing Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to stay on, preventing 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 government money. Despite this, a prior encounter between the two was reportedly unexpectedly cordial.

The Basic Tests of Governing

In the end, New York mayors are judged on their ability in providing basic services: sanitation, curbing the rat infestation, repairing potholes, and making sure smooth transit operation.

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

As his term begins, Mamdani and his wife will move 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 haunts those who do not act to “do right by the city.”

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