Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York mayor, vows bold democratic socialist agenda

Zohran Mamdani took office as New York City's mayor after a midnight oath at the rarely used Old City Hall subway station and a later formal ceremony at City Hall. The Democratic Socialist, who is the city's first Muslim mayor, the first person of South Asian descent and the first African‑born mayor, said his administration will “govern expansively and audaciously” and “won’t hesitate to use its power to improve New Yorkers’ lives.” Senator Bernie Sanders administered the oath at the larger City Hall event.

Mamdani reiterated that he was elected as a democratic socialist and intends to govern on that basis. The 34‑year‑old former state assemblyman campaigned on tackling the rising cost of living, proposing measures such as rent freezes and free buses. He won more than two million votes, taking about 50% of the vote and finishing nearly 10 points ahead of former governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent.

Thousands braved the cold to attend the inauguration. Mamdani has already revoked multiple executive orders issued since 26 September 2024, the date federal authorities announced then‑mayor Eric Adams was being indicted; those charges were later dismissed following an intervention by Donald Trump.

Mamdani will move from his one‑bedroom in Astoria to Gracie Mansion, the mayoral residence.

Key Topics

World, United States, New York, Mayor, Democratic Socialism, Inauguration, Housing