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A new era has begun in New York City as Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor, promising a bold, progressive agenda focused on “safety, affordability and abundance” and a basic shift in who the city serves. The inauguration, held earlier today, was marked by powerful speeches, emotional tributes, and a clear signal that the cityS political landscape is undergoing a dramatic conversion.
Mamdani repeatedly affirmed his commitment to democratic socialism, stating, “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist.” This pledge resonated with supporters and signaled a departure from previous administrations. He positioned his vision as a direct response to the needs of working people, arguing that for too long, New York City has belonged to the “wealthy and well-connected.”
The new mayor refused to temper expectations, vowing to govern “expansively and audaciously,” even acknowledging the possibility of setbacks. “We may not always succeed but we will never be accused of lacking the courage to try,” he declared to a cheering crowd.
Sanders and AOC: Inspirations for a new generation
The inauguration featured prominent endorsements from key figures in the progressive movement. bernie Sanders, who publicly swore Mamdani into office, delivered a fiery speech emphasizing that America “must belong to all of us not just the few.” He argued that demanding corporations and the wealthy pay their fair share in taxes is not radical, but “exactly the right thing to do,” a sentiment that drew a resounding “tax the rich” chant from the audience.
Sanders also championed progressive policies like affordable housing, free childcare, free public transportation, and access to quality food, asserting their fundamental decency and widespread implementation in countries around the world.
Mamdani also paid tribute to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), acknowledging her role in paving the way for his historic victory. He also offered a gracious, albeit playfully barbed, thank you to his predecessor, Eric Adams, noting Adams had once stated he would most want to be trapped in an elevator with Mamdani – a comment that elicited boos from the crowd.
A Message to All New Yorkers
Addressing those who did not vote for him, and those harboring “distrust and disdain,” Mamdani extended an olive branch. “While only action can change minds, I promise you this: if you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to serving all residents of the city.
the ceremony also included a lighthearted moment, with Mamdani joking about the possibility that New York City may have miscounted its mayors over the decades, stating he was honored to be either the 111th or 112th to hold the office.
Emotional Moments and Calls for Unity
the inauguration was punctuated by deeply moving moments. A performance by Lucy Dacus of “Bread & Roses” preceded a powerful address by a speaker who, overcome with emotion, shared a message of self-worth and belonging with a young Black boy in the audience. “Little black boy, you are worth it, and you always were,” he declared, prompting a standing ovation and a collective affirmation of “We gon’ be alright.”
Another speaker emphasized the systemic issues contributing to economic inequality, arguing that “the reason so many New Yorkers have too little is not because of people who have even less…but because of the systems entrenched at the top.”
The event underscored a broader sentiment of shifting political priorities and a renewed focus on addressing the needs of all New Yorkers, signaling a perhaps transformative period for the city.
