Zohran Mamdani’s Inauguration: A New Chapter in NYC Leadership

Adrianna McKinney '26

On January 1, 2026, Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as New York City’s 112th Mayor. Mayor Mamdani was able to unite the audience rather quickly, first stating, "My fellow New Yorkers, today begins a new era…I stand before you, moved by the privilege of taking this sacred oath, humbled by the faith that you have placed in me, and honored to serve as either your 111th or 112th Mayor of New York City." He added on, "But I do not stand alone." He later thanked his political allies, including New York governor Kathy Hochul and his predecessor, former Mayor Eric Adams.

Regarding his policies, Mamdani altered some of his earlier political views during his campaign and made picks for commissioners that some saw as realistic but which went against his identity as a Democratic socialist. Additionally, he said, “We will govern without shame and insecurity, making no apology for what we believe. I was elected as a Democratic socialist, and I will govern as a Democratic socialist.”

As for his policies Mamdani had a campaign that largely wanted to make the city more affordable for the common people. His promises include a rent freeze for rent-stabilized apartments, free bus fares, and free childcare for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

As New York City’s first Muslim mayor, he was sworn in during the midnight ceremony on a centuries-old Qur’an from New York’s Public Library Collection. Former New York mayors were also formally sworn in using a book of their choosing for the ceremony. For instance, his predecessor, former Mayor Eric Adams chose a family Bible. For Mamdani’s ceremony, he was sworn in by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, a fellow Democratic socialist and an ideological ally. Sanders said, “New York, thank you for inspiring our nation. Thank you for giving us from coast to coast, the hope and the vision that we can create a government that works for all, not just the wealthy and the few." Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a fellow Democratic socialist who represents the Bronx and Queens, also delivered remarks. She said, “Zohran Mamdani will be the first Muslim mayor of our great city. He will be our first immigrant mayor in over a century, and he will be the youngest mayor of New York City in generations. But most importantly, Zohran will be a mayor for all of us.”

Mamdani took stances on moderating public safety, and many hope he will translate his campaign policies into reality. This will include working with the state government, which controls taxes, and the City Council on various city proposals.

Zohran Mamdani had replaced his predecessor, Eric Adams, as the new mayor of New York City. Mayor Mamdani told the press that “When I take my oath from the station at the dawn of the New Year, I will do so humbled by the opportunity to lead millions of New Yorkers into a new era of opportunity, and honored to carry forward our city’s legacy of greatness.” Many New Yorkers now look to see whether Zohran Mamdani keeps his promises as the newly elected mayor!