In a historic ceremony held just after midnight on Thursday, January 1, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the 110th mayor of New York City. The 34-year-old Democrat and democratic socialist took the oath of office at a decommissioned subway station beneath City Hall, placing his hand on a Quran and becoming the city's first Muslim mayor.
A Midnight Oath and a Public Pledge
Following a brief overnight stint in his new office, Mamdani returned to City Hall around midday for a larger public inauguration. The event saw US Senator Bernie Sanders administering the oath for a second time to the historic mayor-elect. In his inaugural address, Mamdani promised a transformative approach to governance, directly addressing the severe cost-of-living crisis impacting millions of working-class New Yorkers.
"Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously," Mamdani declared to the assembled crowd. "We may not always succeed, but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try." He emphasised a decisive shift in City Hall's philosophy, stating, "No longer will City Hall hesitate to use its power to improve New Yorkers' lives."
Policy Focus: Affordability and Immediate Actions
The core theme of Mamdani's speech, mirroring his campaign, was affordability. He directly addressed the struggles of steel-toed workers, halal cart vendors, and restaurant cooks, framing his agenda as a matter of principle. "I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist," he asserted. "I will not abandon my principles for fear of being deemed 'radical.'"
Senator Sanders reinforced this message, defending the agenda's focus. "In the richest country in the history of the world, making sure people can live in affordable housing is not radical," Sanders said. "It is the right and decent thing to do."
Mamdani moved swiftly from words to action. Shortly after the ceremony, he revoked several executive orders issued by the previous administration of Mayor Eric Adams, orders that were enacted following Adams's indictment in September 2024—charges that were later dismissed. His first official visit was to a Brooklyn apartment building, where he announced the revival of a dedicated city office for tenant protection and the creation of two new housing-focused task forces.
Historic Firsts and the Road Ahead
Zohran Mamdani's inauguration marks several historic firsts for New York City. At 34, he is the youngest mayor in generations. He is also the city's first mayor of South Asian descent and the first to be born in Africa, having been born in Kampala, Uganda. Mamdani moved to New York at age seven and became a U.S. citizen in 2018, later serving as a state Assembly member from Queens.
His campaign platform was sharply focused on economic relief, with key promises including:
- Free child care for city residents.
- Free bus rides across the five boroughs.
- A rent freeze for approximately one million households.
- A pilot program for city-run grocery stores to combat food deserts.
While inheriting a city showing signs of post-pandemic recovery—with lower crime, rebounding tourism, and pre-COVID unemployment levels—Mamdani faces profound challenges. Skyrocketing rents and living costs remain a source of deep anxiety for residents. "They want to know if the left can govern," Mamdani acknowledged. "They want to know if it is right to hope again."
The new mayor also navigates a complex political landscape. During the campaign, former President Donald Trump threatened to withhold federal funds if Mamdani won, though he later invited the mayor-elect for a cordial White House meeting, stating, "I want him to do a great job and will help him do a great job." Despite this, clashes are anticipated over federal policies on immigration and enforcement. Furthermore, while receiving praise from allies like US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for choosing "courage over fear," Mamdani continues to face scrutiny from some Jewish groups over his past criticism of Israel's government.
