Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s mayor on Thursday. He promised an ambitious agenda to ease the cost of living for working residents in the nation’s largest city.
During a public inauguration ceremony on the steps of City Hall, Mamdani pledged to govern as a democratic socialist. He said his administration would prioritise affordability, accountability, and public services. “We will answer to all New Yorkers, not to any billionaire or oligarch who thinks they can buy our democracy,” he told the crowd. “I was elected as a democratic socialist, and I will govern as a democratic socialist.”
Mamdani, 34, secured a high-profile victory in November that has drawn national attention. It came ahead of this year’s US midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress. Some Democrats have embraced his campaign style and policy platform. Meanwhile, Republicans have cast him as a national political foil.
He campaigned heavily on cost-of-living pressures and repeatedly criticised US President Donald Trump, whose approval ratings have declined amid ongoing economic concerns. Many of New York’s roughly eight million residents now view Mamdani as a potentially disruptive force. Both optimism and unease have greeted him.
Zohran Mamdani laid out the expectations New Yorkers should have for his administration, saying, “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist.” pic.twitter.com/D3VLOwij3k
— Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) January 1, 2026In his inaugural address, Mamdani highlighted core pledges that defined his campaign. These include universal childcare, rent affordability, and free bus services. Supporters gathered in large numbers despite freezing temperatures. The city set up a viewing area along Broadway to accommodate thousands more watching the ceremony via livestream.
The programme featured remarks from Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Both are leading figures in the Democratic Party’s progressive wing. Sanders defended Mamdani’s platform, telling the crowd that affordable housing is “the right and decent thing to do.” His remarks prompted attendees to chant “tax the rich.”
🚨BREAKING: Zohran Mamdani was just sworn in as mayor. New York City is OFFICIALLY COOKED.
"I was ELECTED as a Democratic Socialist, and I will GOVERN as a Democratic Socialist!"pic.twitter.com/B8uDpWLVaW
— Jack (@jackunheard) January 1, 2026Supporters said the moment reflected growing momentum for change. Mae Hardman-Hill, a 27-year-old campaign volunteer, said she had watched the city become “less and less affordable.” She welcomed Mamdani’s focus on restoring balance for ordinary residents.
Earlier in the day, officials privately swore in Mamdani at the historic City Hall subway station, a rarely opened landmark beneath lower Manhattan. Reflecting his Muslim faith, he took the oath on a Quran, marking the first time for a New York City mayor.
Republican leaders moved quickly to criticise the new mayor. Hours after Mamdani took office, the main Republican group, which focused on winning seats in the US House of Representatives, labelled him a “radical socialist.” This signals the prominent role he may play in national political debates.
BREAKING: New NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's inauguration speech just dropped the mask and admitted he’s pushing for full-throated COMMUNISM.
Of course he gave special shoutouts to Palestinians over Americans, and a promise to crush individualism.
This is the radical agenda Dems… pic.twitter.com/vD9UPtcQm2
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) January 1, 2026Mamdani has pledged a rent freeze, free buses, and expanded childcare. He built a campaign around affordability that some Democrats see as a possible national blueprint. His incoming deputy mayor, Dean Fuleihan, told the Financial Times that the administration plans to raise taxes on millionaires. This is to fund these initiatives and balance the city’s budget. He added that he does not expect wealthy residents to leave as a result.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has opposed increases in personal income taxes. However, she said she is considering higher corporate taxes to address a potential budget shortfall linked to federal cuts.
In an early policy shift, Mamdani said he would no longer seek to end mayoral control of New York City’s public school system, the largest in the United States. Instead, he appointed veteran educator Kamar Samuels as schools chancellor.
Mamdani, who was born in Uganda, drew a record turnout of more than two million voters. He won 50 percent of the vote in November. This was nearly ten points ahead of former governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and well ahead of Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Read: Mamdani Stands By Trump “Fascist” Comments Despite Whitehouse Meeting
He raised $2.6 million from nearly 30,000 contributors to fund the transition and inauguration. This set a record among New York City mayors this century. As mayor, Mamdani will move from his rent-stabilised apartment in Astoria to Gracie Mansion, the city’s official mayoral residence on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
While some leaders in New York’s financial sector initially expressed concern, many have since begun exploring ways to work with the new administration. Mamdani has said his differences with President Trump remain substantial, despite a cordial White House meeting. He signalled that his focus will remain firmly on reshaping New York’s economic and social landscape.
