At a Glance
- New York City’s first Muslim mayor sworn in at a midnight ceremony.
- He immediately revokes executive orders from the previous administration.
- Mamdani promises sweeping reforms, including free child care, free buses, and a rent freeze for 1 million households.
- Why it matters: The new mayor’s agenda could reshape city policy and address long-standing affordability challenges.
Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s first Muslim mayor on Thursday, a ceremony that began just after midnight in a decommissioned subway station beneath City Hall. The 34-year-old Democrat immediately began revoking orders issued by the former administration and announced a bold agenda aimed at easing the city’s high cost of living. His inauguration drew thousands in the cold, a testament to the city’s appetite for change.
Inauguration Details
At the midnight ceremony, Mamdani placed his hand on a Quran while taking the oath, later administered a second time by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders during a midday public event on Broadway’s Canyon of Heroes. The crowd, braving the frigid weather, cheered as the mayor delivered a speech emphasizing expansive governance.
- Expansive and audacious governance
- Use of city power to improve lives
- Commitment to democratic socialism
Early Actions
Shortly after taking office, Mamdani revoked multiple executive orders issued since September 26, 2024, the date federal authorities announced former Mayor Eric Adams’ indictment on corruption charges. He then visited a Brooklyn apartment building to announce a revitalized tenant-rights office and two new task forces focused on housing construction.
Platform & Promises
During his inaugural address, Mamdani outlined a platform centered on affordability, citing workers in steel-toed boots, halal cart vendors, and spice-laden cooks as emblematic of the city’s struggles. He pledged:
- Free child care
- Free bus rides
- Rent freeze for about 1 million households
- Pilot city-run grocery stores
Community Reactions
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez praised the city’s choice of ‘courage over fear.’
Senator Bernie Sanders said:
> “Raising taxes on the rich is not radical.”
Actor Mandy Patinkin sang “Over the Rainbow” with an elementary chorus, while Imam Khalid Latif offered an invocation.
Background
Born in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani moved to New York at age seven. The son of filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani, he became a U.S. citizen in 2018 and served in the state Assembly before winning the mayoralty. He and his wife will relocate from a rent-stabilized one-bedroom apartment to the mayoral residence.
Key Takeaways
- Mamdani’s midnight oath marks a historic first for New York.
- He has already begun reversing prior executive orders.
- His platform focuses on affordable housing, childcare, and transportation.
The new mayor’s swift actions signal a determined start to a transformative agenda for the city.
