At a Glance
- Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York’s 112th mayor, the city’s first Muslim leader.
- He vows a progressive agenda including universal childcare, free bus service, and rent freezes.
- The inauguration featured Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and performances by Lucy Dacus, Mandy Patinkin, and schoolchildren.
- Why it matters: The new mayor’s platform could reshape New York’s social services and fiscal policy, and his partnership with state leaders will determine funding.
On Thursday, 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York’s 112th mayor, becoming the city’s first Muslim leader. The ceremony, held at a historic IRT subway station, drew progressive figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who praised the city as a testing ground for bold ideas. Mamdani now faces the challenge of translating his ambitious agenda-universal childcare, free bus rides, and rent freezes-into reality with state support.
Historic Inauguration
Mamdani took the oath with two Qurans-one from his grandfather and one from the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center-while paying a $9 fee and signing the mayoral book. He thanked the crowd, saying:
Zohran Mamdani
> “This is not my success. It’s our success. It’s not my administration. It’s our administration. It’s not my inauguration. It’s for all of us.”
- Bernie Sanders said:
> “Demanding that the wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share of taxes is not radical.”
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez added:
> “If we can make it here, we can make it anywhere.”
Progressive Agenda
Mamdani campaigned on lowering costs for New Yorkers by promising universal, free childcare, a free bus system, and rent freezes for certain units. He plans to fund the agenda by raising taxes on residents earning over $1M. The key elements are:
| Agenda Item | Target | Funding Source |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Childcare | All children | Higher income taxes |
| Free Bus Service | All commuters | Higher income taxes |
| Rent Freeze | Selected rental units | Higher income taxes |
State Relations
The mayor’s tax plans require approval from state leaders. Democratic legislators are open to raising taxes on high-income individuals and corporations, but Gov. Kathy Hochul has opposed any tax increase. Hochul said she will seek alternative revenue streams, including corporate taxes, and will work with legislators to determine what can be achieved.
Key Takeaways
- Zohran Mamdani becomes New York’s first Muslim mayor.
- His agenda includes universal childcare, free bus rides, and rent freezes, funded by higher taxes on those earning over $1M.
- State approval, especially from Gov. Hochul, is crucial for the mayor’s plans.
Mamdani’s inauguration marks the start of a bold experiment in progressive governance, but the city’s success will hinge on state cooperation and public support.
