Zohran Mamdani officially assumed the role of Mayor of New York City on Thursday, embarking on a daunting journey in American politics with a commitment to revolutionize governance in support of the city’s hardworking, striving population. The Democrat took his oath in a retired subway station beneath city hall at midnight, placing his hand on a Quran, marking his historic inauguration as the city’s first Muslim mayor.
Following initial work in his new office overnight, Mamdani returned to city hall for a public swearing-in ceremony later in the day, where U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a political inspiration to the mayor, administered the oath for a second time. Addressing a jubilant crowd, Mamdani pledged to lead with boldness and ambition, vowing to utilize city hall’s authority to enhance the lives of New Yorkers.
Mamdani wasted no time in getting down to business after the inauguration. He swiftly rescinded various executive orders issued by the prior administration following the indictment of former Mayor Eric Adams on corruption charges, which were subsequently dropped under the Trump administration’s intervention. Additionally, Mamdani announced the revitalization of a city office dedicated to tenant protection and the establishment of two task forces focused on housing development during a visit to a Brooklyn apartment building.
Throughout the inauguration ceremony, Mamdani and other speakers emphasized his commitment to leveraging governmental power to uplift the city’s residents grappling with its high cost of living. Mamdani, who ran as a democratic socialist, affirmed his dedication to governing in line with his principles, emphasizing his unwavering stance on implementing policies to benefit the working class.
As Mamdani takes the helm as the youngest mayor in generations, his supporters anticipate the transformative changes he has pledged to bring to the city. Despite the challenges ahead, Mamdani’s determination to address critical issues such as housing affordability and social injustices has garnered widespread support, with many optimistic about his leadership.