New York City formally installed Zohran Mamdani as mayor this week, with the 34-year-old Democrat using his inauguration to outline how he intends to govern the nation’s largest city and to describe the role he believes government should play in residents’ daily lives. Mamdani took the official oath of office early Thursday morning at City Hall with his left hand on a Quran, followed later in the day by a ceremonial swearing-in conducted by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).
In his remarks, Mamdani made clear that the governing philosophy he promoted during his campaign would carry into his administration. “We will transform the culture of City Hall from one of no to one of how. We will answer to all New Yorkers, not to any billionaire or oligarch who thinks they can buy our democracy,” he said. “We will govern without shame and insecurity, making no apology for what we believe.” He added, “I was elected as a Democratic Socialist, and I will govern as a Democratic Socialist.”
The new mayor emphasized that he does not intend to moderate his approach once in office, saying he will not abandon his “principles for fear of being deemed radical.” Throughout his speech, Mamdani repeatedly framed government as a central tool for addressing economic and social challenges in the city, contrasting public-sector responsibility with reliance on private institutions.
At one point, Mamdani explicitly addressed debates over the size and scope of government, declaring a renewed willingness to use municipal authority. “To those who insist that the era of big government is over, hear me when I say this: no longer will City Hall hesitate to use its power to improve New Yorkers’ lives,” he said. He followed by acknowledging skepticism toward public institutions, stating, “For too long, we have turned to the private sector for greatness while accepting mediocrity from those who serve the public. I cannot blame anyone who has come to question the role of government, whose faith in democracy has been eroded by decades of apathy.”
Mamdani’s inauguration drew support from prominent progressive figures. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who attended the ceremony, described the transition as a significant moment for the city. “This ascent marks a new era for New York City, led by a historic new mayor in Zohran Mamdani, guided by his dedication to a working class that makes our beautiful city run,” she said.
The mayor’s statements come as New York City faces ongoing debates over housing affordability, public services, transit funding, and the balance between government intervention and private-sector involvement. Mamdani’s emphasis on an expanded role for City Hall signals how his administration may approach policy decisions that affect taxes, regulation, and the delivery of essential services in the months ahead.
