Mamdani Sworn In as NYC Mayor

New York City ushered in a new political era on January 1, 2026, as Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor during an inaugural ceremony in Lower Manhattan, pledging expansive governance, social justice reforms, and a City Hall that works “for all who live in it.”

Addressing tens of thousands of supporters at the ceremony and millions more watching across the city, Mamdani said his administration would reject “small expectations” and pursue audacious policies focused on affordability, safety and abundance.

“Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously,” he declared. “We may not always succeed. But never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try.”

The new mayor emphasized unity across political divides, assuring even those who did not vote for him of equal protection and representation. “If you are a New Yorker, I am your Mayor,” Mamdani said. “Regardless of whether we agree, I will protect you, celebrate with you, mourn alongside you, and never, not for a second, hide from you.”

Mamdani outlined a sweeping agenda that includes universal childcare funded by higher taxes on the wealthy, a rent freeze for rent-stabilized apartments, and free, faster buses across the city. He also announced plans to reform the property tax system, confront bad landlords, and establish a Department of Community Safety to address mental health challenges while allowing police to focus on core law-enforcement duties.

Criticizing decades of reliance on the private sector, Mamdani said City Hall would no longer hesitate to use government power to improve lives. “No longer will City Hall hesitate to use its power to improve New Yorkers’ lives,” he said, adding that his administration would make government synonymous with “resolve and results.”

In a moment that underscored his political identity, Mamdani reaffirmed his ideological stance, saying, “I was elected as a Democratic socialist and I will govern as a Democratic socialist. I will not abandon my principles for fear of being deemed radical.” Quoting Senator Bernie Sanders, who administered his oath of office, he added: “What’s radical is a system which gives so much to so few and denies so many people the basic necessities of life.”

The mayor paid tribute to past leaders including David Dinkins, Bill de Blasio and Fiorello La Guardia, saying his administration would revive a legacy of government working hardest for those who work hardest. He also acknowledged Governor Kathy Hochul, former Mayor Eric Adams, and progressive leaders including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nydia Velázquez.

Concluding his address, Mamdani called on New Yorkers to remain engaged beyond election victory.

“From today onwards, we will understand victory very simply: something with the power to transform lives, and something that demands effort from each of us, every single day,” he said.

Framing New York as a model for the world, the new mayor added: “When a city belongs to the people, there is no need too small to be met, no person too alone to feel like New York is their home. The work, my friends, has only just begun.”