At a Glance
- Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York’s 112th mayor.
- He pledges to govern as a Democratic socialist and push a bold progressive agenda.
- The inauguration featured speeches by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and performances by Lucy Dacus, Mandy Patinkin and schoolchildren.
- Why it matters: It marks the first Muslim mayor and signals a push for affordable housing, childcare, and transit.
Zohran Mamdani was sworn in shortly after midnight by Attorney General Letitia James in a small ceremony with his family. He took the oath with two Qurans-one from his grandfather and one from the Schomburg Center-paid a $9 fee, and signed the official book to become mayor. The ceremony was held at the old City Hall IRT subway station, closed in 1945.
Inauguration and First Swearing-In
Zohran Mamdani stated:
> “I was elected as a Democratic socialist and I will govern as a Democratic socialist.”
Senator Bernie Sanders declared:
> “Demanding that the wealthy and large corporations start paying their fair share of taxes is not radical. It is exactly the right thing to do.”
The crowd responded with a chant of “Tax the rich!”
Progressive Platform and Funding
He ran on a platform that prioritizes public transit, universal free childcare, a free bus system, and a freeze on rent prices for certain units. To fund these initiatives, Mamdani plans to raise taxes on New Yorkers earning over $1 million, a measure that will require state approval. Democratic leaders in the Legislature are open to higher taxes on high-income individuals and corporations, but Gov. Kathy Hochul has opposed raising taxes on anyone.
- Universal free childcare
- Free bus system
- Freeze on rent prices for select units
- Raise taxes on incomes above $1 million
Community Celebration and Inclusive Governance
Mamdani opened a larger inauguration celebration with a block party for those not invited to the formal ceremony, stating the event is for everyone. He said, “This is not my success. It’s our success… It’s for all of us.” He emphasized that he will have staff in place to deliver on affordability and day-to-day services, and that he stands with over 1 million voters and those who did not vote, and will govern expansively and audaciously.
Zohran Mamdani added:
> “We will have the people in place necessary to start to deliver, not only on our affordability agenda, but frankly, to deliver on the day-to-day services that New Yorkers require.”
Zohran Mamdani said:
> “I stand alongside over 1 million New Yorkers who voted for this day nearly two months ago and I stand just as resolutely alongside those who did not.”
Zohran Mamdani declared:
> “We will govern expansively and audaciously.”
Political Support and Challenges
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said:
> “If we can make it here, we can make it anywhere.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul said:
> “It is my job as governor to make sure that whomever the mayor is, they’re successful.”
> “The budget process is unfolding. We’ll be working with the legislators over the next couple months, and we’ll find out how we can take off a bite of what we need to do – like what is doable in this upcoming year, in the following year.”
President Donald Trump praised Mamdani in an Oval Office meeting, noting they agree on more than he expected.
Key Takeaways
- Zohran Mamdani will govern as a Democratic socialist, focusing on affordable housing, childcare, and transit.
- Funding for his agenda relies on raising taxes on those earning over $1 million, pending state approval.
- The inauguration emphasized inclusivity, with a block party and a message that the city is for all New Yorkers.
By Ethan R. Coleman, News Of Los Angeles
