Zohran Mamdani, 34, the new mayor of New York City, said on the 1st (local time) that "a new era begins today," vowing to pursue inclusive and bold governance as a democratic socialist.
At a public inauguration in front of City Hall that day, Mayor Mamdani said, "I will not abandon principle out of fear that it might appear radical." He added, "I was elected as a democratic socialist, and I will govern as a democratic socialist."
A political newcomer who was little known as a New York state lawmaker, Mamdani rode a wave of support with pledges focused on improving living conditions for New Yorkers suffering from high inflation, winning the mayoral election in Nov. last year. An Indian Muslim, he became the first Muslim mayor of New York, the largest city in the United States.
In his inaugural address, Mayor Mamdani said, "I know there are people who view New York City government with distrust and disdain. But if you are a New Yorker, whether you agree or disagree, I am your mayor." He added, "I will protect you, celebrate and mourn with you, and not avoid you for even one second."
He continued, "We will govern without shame or insecurity, and we will not apologize for what we believe in. From today, we will govern broadly and boldly." He emphasized, "City Hall will no longer hesitate to use administrative power to improve people's lives."
U.S. conservatives have criticized Mamdani's pledges—such as taxing the rich, freezing rents, free child care, and free buses—as radical. President Donald Trump also waged an ideological attack, calling Mamdani a "communist."
The inauguration drew attention for its symbolism as well. Mayor Mamdani placed his left hand on the Quran, the Islamic scripture, to take the oath of office. The oath was administered by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a symbolic figure of the democratic socialist camp. U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivered the opening remarks at the ceremony.
Before and after the ceremony, tens of thousands of people gathered on Broadway near City Hall, holding a block party and watching the new mayor's swearing-in despite subzero temperatures.
Earlier, at 12:01 a.m., the official start of his term, Mayor Mamdani took the formal oath of office administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James on the steps of the now-closed old City Hall subway station, beginning his legal term. For the oath, they used a Quran owned by the New York Public Library that belonged to Arturo Schomburg, an African-descended writer and historian, and a Quran used by the mayor's grandfather.
At the public ceremony in the afternoon, a Quran used by Mayor Mamdani's grandmother was used for the oath. This is the first time a Quran has been used instead of a Bible for a New York mayoral oath.