Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as New York City Mayor, Pledges Progressive, Pro-Worker Agenda

Democrat Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s new mayor on Thursday, vowing to pursue an ambitious agenda centered on affordability and social equity. Speaking on the steps of City Hall after a historic oath taken on the Quran, Mamdani — a prominent figure in the Democratic Party’s left-wing democratic socialist faction — reaffirmed campaign promises including universal childcare, affordable housing measures, and free bus services. The 34-year-old, who ran on cost-of-living reforms and criticized Republican President Donald Trump’s economic record, said he intends to govern “for all New Yorkers, not for billionaires or oligarchs.”

The inauguration ceremony featured speeches from U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who voiced support for Mamdani’s economic justice platform as crowds chanted “tax the rich.” Despite sub-zero temperatures, thousands gathered along Broadway and via livestream to witness the ceremony, which supporters hailed as the dawn of a new, people-focused political era. Mamdani inspired record voter turnout in November’s election, securing 50% of the vote in a decisive victory over independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.

Republicans swiftly criticized the new mayor, branding him a “radical socialist” and warning that his policies could reverberate nationally ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Mamdani’s team has signaled plans to raise taxes on millionaires to fund social programs, while maintaining that such measures will not drive wealth out of the city. Although he has already reversed course on ending mayoral control of public schools, the Uganda-born mayor remains steadfast in his pledge to reshape New York around affordability and working-class priorities as he prepares to move from his rent-stabilized Astoria apartment to the official residence at Gracie Mansion.

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