New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani pledged to govern as a Democratic Socialist during his inauguration on Thursday, declaring that his administration would revive what he described as “the era of big government.”
Mamdani, 34, was sworn in early Thursday morning at City Hall after taking the official oath of office with his left hand placed on a Quran. Later in the day, he took a ceremonial oath administered by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), a prominent figure associated with democratic socialism in the United States.
In his inaugural address, Mamdani said he would remain committed to the political views he promoted during his successful campaign against former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the Democratic nominee, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.
“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,” Mamdani said. “We will govern without shame and insecurity, making no apology for what we believe.”
“I was elected as a Democratic Socialist, and I will govern as a Democratic Socialist,” he added.
The new mayor emphasized that he would not retreat from his positions out of concern that they might be viewed as extreme, saying he would not waver on his principles “for fear of being deemed radical.”
At another point in his remarks, Mamdani explicitly called for an expanded role for government in city affairs.
“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 also criticized past reliance on private-sector solutions, arguing that government institutions must play a stronger role in delivering results for residents.
“For too long, we have turned to the private sector for greatness while accepting mediocrity from those who serve the public,” Mamdani said, adding that public trust in government had been weakened by “decades of apathy.”
Several progressive lawmakers attended the inauguration, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), who described Mamdani’s election as a turning point 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,” Ocasio-Cortez said, according to The Hill.
Mamdani’s inauguration marks the beginning of a new administration that is expected to pursue policies aligned with democratic socialist principles, signaling a major shift in direction for the nation’s largest city.
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This event will define what is meant by the saying, “The voters will get what they voted for, exactly what they deserve”.