Zohran Mamdani vows to 'govern expansively and audaciously' as mayor promises 'New Era for New York' at inauguration ceremony

The democratic socialist was sworn in as New York’s first Muslim mayor during a private midnight ceremony at the Old City Hall subway station on New Year’s Day.

Speaking to crowds later that day during a more expansive ceremony, Mamdani vowed to prove the left can govern.

"Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed, but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try,” he told crowds, which included Bronx Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Vermont senator Bernie Sanders.

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Calling for an era of “big government” in the city, Mamdani pledged to use his powers to improve the lives of New Yorkers.

"I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist," he continued.

“I will not abandon my principles for fear of being called radical,” he said as the crowd cheered and applauded.

And Mamdani wasted no time in implementing the beginnings of his agenda, revoking all executive orders issued by deeply unpopular former mayor Eric Adams after September 26 2024.

These orders include one issued last month, which prohibited government employees from “boycotting and disinvesting from Israel and protecting New Yorkers’ rights to free exercise of religion without harassment at houses of worship.”

Mamdani’s team said the decision was made to give the new administration a “fresh start” and “reissues executive orders that the administration feels are central to delivering continued service, excellence, and value-driven leadership”.

During his earlier, private ceremony, Mamdani said: “This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime.

“I cannot wait to see everyone tomorrow as we begin our term.

“After just having taken my oath to become the mayor of the city of New York, I do so also here in the old City Hall subway station – a testament to the importance of public transit to the vitality, the health, the legacy of our city.”

Due to his Muslim faith, Mr Mamdani was sworn in using a Qur’an, becoming the first New York City Mayor to do so.

Mamdani shot to the forefront of American politics almost overnight, energising young voters and immigrant communities by promising greater investment in social services and public transport, including free buses across the city.

He beat back a challenge from Andrew Cuomo to be elected last year, promising he would be "a mayor who can stand up to Donald Trump and actually deliver".

He declared during one primary debate that "I am Donald Trump's worst nightmare", adding, "as a progressive Muslim immigrant who actually fights for the things that I believe in".