Here are four things we learned about Mamdani\u2019s plans for the city from his inaugural address<\/a>.<\/p>\n Mamdani intends to usher in \u201ca new era\u201d of politics, embracing democratic socialism<\/p>\n Mamdani made it clear that he is ushering in a new era of city politics that will change the culture inside City Hall and the way government is run. His first speech was all about a government that will cater to the working people<\/a>, not the rich and powerful.<\/p>\n \u201cI cannot blame anyone who has come to question the role of government, whose faith in democracy has been eroded by decades of apathy. We will restore that trust by walking a different path, one where government is no longer solely the final recourse for those struggling, but one where excellence is no longer the exception,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Before Mamdani got to the mic, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, leaders of the national progressive movement, gave passionate speeches about workers\u2019 rights, affordability and the need to eliminate what they call \u201cthe oligarchy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNew York, thank you for inspiring our nation \u2026 Demanding that the wealthy and large corporations start paying their fair share of taxes is not radical. It is exactly the right thing to do,\u201d Sanders said to his biggest applause.<\/p>\n \u201cI also ask that we consider today an inauguration for each one of us, too. The nearly 8.5 million New Yorkers who make up the greatest city on Earth,\u201d Ocasio-Cortez said. \u201cBecause it is the people of New York City who have chosen historic, ambitious leadership in response to untenable and unprecedented times. New York, we have chosen courage over fear.\u201d<\/p>\n Mamdani said clearly that the politics of Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders are his, too.<\/p>\n \u201cBeginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously,\u201d he said. \u201cWe may not always succeed, but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try. 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\u2019 lives.\u201d<\/p>\n Mamdani won\u2019t back down on free buses, rent freeze and universal child care<\/p>\n Mamdani\u2019s inauguration was unlike those of the past as it was geared toward the city\u2019s working class and those who find it hard to make ends meet.<\/p>\n He stood before the crowd of 4,000 in City Hall Plaza, and many more who packed the Canyon of Heroes, on a bitterly cold day and reaffirmed his promises for free buses, a rent freeze and universal child care.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will transform the culture of City Hall from one of no to one of how,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Mamdani is the city\u2019s first Muslim mayor and, at 34, its youngest in over 100 years. He said he would be true to the values that got him elected.<\/p>\n \u201cI was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist,\u201d the 112th mayor said.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not going to be easy, however, because Gov. Kathy Hochul, who was in the audience, will be the key to his success<\/a>.<\/p>\n Hochul faces a tough reelection campaign and her Republican opponent will be looking to criticize her for anything she does to help the mayor succeed.<\/p>\n Mamdani will not ignore those who voted against him<\/p>\n In his speech, Mamdani acknowledged his supporters and those who opposed him in the election. He said he stands with those who voted for him and, \u201cI stand just as resolutely alongside those who did not.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know there are some who view this administration with distrust or disdain, or who see politics as permanently broken,\u201d Mamdani said. \u201cAnd while only action can change minds, I promise you this: If you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"NYC](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1767366373_57_ap26001804739687.jpg#.jpeg\")
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife, Rama Duwaji, stand during the national anthem at his inauguration ceremony on Jan. 1, 2026.\u00a0 Andres Kudacki \/ AP <\/p>\n
![\"Mamdani](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1767366374_864_gettyimages-2253702757.jpg#.jpeg\")
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks at his inauguration ceremony on Jan. 1, 2026.\u00a0 Adam Gray \/ Bloomberg via Getty Images <\/p>\n![\"Zohran](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1767366375_178_gettyimages-2254284542.jpg#.jpeg\")
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji smile as confetti falls after his inauguration on Jan. 1, 2026.\u00a0 Spencer Platt \/ Getty Images <\/p>\n