Historic Inauguration: Zohran Mamdani Becomes NYC's First Muslim Mayor Amidst 'Tax the Rich' Rallying Calls

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Democrat Zohran Mamdani has become New York City’s mayor, vowing during a public swearing-in ceremony to enact an aggressive agenda to make the United States’ largest city more affordable for working people.

Mamdani, a member of his party’s left-wing democratic socialist faction, was elected last November in a prominent victory that could affect this year’s midterm elections, which will determine control of the US Congress. Some Democrats have embraced his style while Republicans portray him as a foil on the national political stage.

The 34-year-old campaigned heavily on cost of living issues and was sharply critical of Republican President Donald Trump, whose approval rating has fallen over the past year amid economic concerns.

Many of New York’s eight million residents — some with hope, some with trepidation — expect him to be a disruptive political force.

During his inaugural speech on Thursday, Mamdani passionately reaffirmed his commitment to the key promises of his campaign: universal childcare, affordable housing, and complimentary bus services. These initiatives are aimed at easing the financial burdens on New Yorkers.

“We will answer to all New Yorkers, not to any billionaire or oligarch who thinks they can buy our democracy,” Mamdani said outside the City Hall. “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist.”

In the 24-minute speech, Mamdani said: “Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously.”

“They want to know if the left can govern. They want to know if the struggles that afflict them can be solved,” he said.

“We will do something that New Yorkers do better than anyone else: we will set an example for the world,” Mamdani declared, emphasizing New York’s leadership and innovation.

As several thousand supporters gathered, they erupted into cheers when Senator Bernie Sanders took the stage. Sanders advocated for increased tax contributions from America’s wealthiest, igniting the crowd into a spirited chorus of “tax the rich.”

The program for Mamdani’s inauguration included remarks by US senator Bernie Sanders and US representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, fellow democratic socialists at the vanguard of the Democratic Party’s liberal wing.

Sanders, whom Mamdani calls his inspiration, defended Mamdani’s agenda, which includes raising taxes on New York’s wealthiest residents.

“Making sure that people can live in affordable housing is not radical,” Sanders said. “It is the right and decent thing to do.”

Mamdani made history as the first New York City mayor to use the Quran for his swearing-in, reflecting his Muslim faith and marking a significant cultural moment for the city.

Even with temperatures well below freezing, the city set up a viewing area along Broadway to allow thousands more to watch a livestream of the ceremony, which included musical performances.

Mae Hardman-Hill, 27, volunteered for Mamdani’s campaign and said it felt like his political momentum was growing.

“I’m a native New Yorker. I’ve watched the city like you just become less and less affordable, less and less livable,” Hardman-Hill said. “I’m really excited for … regular people to get some power back again.”

Before the public ceremony, Mamdani was privately sworn in as New York City’s mayor in the first minutes of the New Year on Thursday at the historic City Hall subway station, which was decommissioned decades ago and is accessible only a few times a year through guided tours.

The former state politician’s platform, focusing on rent freezes, free bus services, and childcare, has resonated as a potential blueprint for the Democratic Party nationwide, especially with the upcoming midterm elections in November.

Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed her opposition to raising personal income taxes. However, she is contemplating an increase in corporate taxes to address potential budget deficits in light of federal budget cuts.

Hours after Mamdani took office, the lead group tasked with electing Republicans to the US House of Representatives sought to portray him as a “radical socialist”.

“Every time Mamdani opens his mouth or swipes his pen, he tattoos the Democrat Party’s failures onto every House Democrat facing voters in 2026,” spokesperson Mike Marinella said in a statement that signalled the sizable role Mamdani is likely to play on the national campaign stage.

Mamdani, a former state politician, promised a freeze on rents and free buses and childcare, building a campaign around affordability issues that some have seen as a path forward for the Democratic Party around the country ahead of November midterm elections.

Dean Fuleihan, the incoming deputy mayor, told the Financial Times Mamdani will move ahead with plans to increase taxes on millionaires to pay for his campaign promises and balance New York’s budget. He said he doesn’t expect rich people to leave the city because of potentially higher taxes.

New York governor Kathy Hochul has said she opposes raising personal income taxes but is considering raising corporate taxes to pay for a potential budget shortfall amid federal cuts.

Inauguration of a new era

Mamdani raised US$2.6 million ($3.9 million) for the transition and celebrations from nearly 30,000 contributors, more than other mayors on record this century, both in total and in single donations, according to official campaign data that discloses inaugural expenses starting with Michael Bloomberg’s first term in 2001.

As mayor, Mamdani will move from his one-bedroom Astoria apartment, protected from sharp price hikes by the city rent-stabilisation program, to Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City mayors on Manhattan’s upscale Upper East Side.

Bankers and others in New York, the nation’s financial capital, had expressed concern about Mamdani, but since his election many have explored how to work with him.