Zohran Mamdani becomes New York’s first Muslim mayor, sworn in with plans to freeze rents and build affordable housing amid high expectations.
NEW YORK: Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will become New York City’s first Muslim mayor as he takes office on Thursday.
The 34-year-old Democratic Socialist will be sworn in at a private midnight ceremony at the Old City Hall subway station by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
His office said the underground venue reflects his “commitment to the working people who keep our city running every day.”
A larger public swearing-in outside City Hall will be presided over by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders at midday.
Columbia University political science professor Lincoln Mitchell said neighbourhood celebrations will echo one of Mamdani’s core messages that “this is a great city, and we like living here.”
The avowed socialist campaigned on addressing the prohibitive cost of living for the metropolis of 8.5 million.
A key proposal is freezing rent on more than a million apartments, though the city’s rent control board remains packed with appointees of outgoing Mayor Eric Adams.
Details of other promises, including building 200,000 affordable housing units and offering free buses, are yet to be spelled out.
Mamdani holds an advantage with an excellent relationship with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who approves measures like the tax hikes he seeks.
New York University lecturer John Kane said that after an election, “symbolism only goes so far with voters. Results begin to matter a whole lot more.”
Despite expectations, Mamdani’s late November Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump was cordial and calm.
Kane said Mamdani “wisely sought a point of common ground with Trump: wanting to make New York City a better place to live.”
He added that Trump can “be surprisingly gregarious toward those that he perceives to have little leverage over.”
Federal immigration officers’ increasing activity in New York could become a flashpoint.
To compensate for his short political resume as a former State Assembly representative, Mamdani is surrounding himself with seasoned aides.
He has already opened dialogue with business leaders, some of whom had predicted a wealthy exodus if he won.
As a defender of Palestinian rights, the Muslim mayor of Indian origin will also have to reassure the Jewish community of his inclusive leadership.
One of his hires recently resigned after the revelation of past antisemitic tweets.
Professor Mitchell noted that “the mayor of New York is always a cultural figure.”
Mamdani has reflected his generation’s tastes with brief forays into rap music and improv classes.
New Yorkers have also noted his enthusiastic support of his wife, Syrian-born artist Rama Duwaji, with approval.
Her Instagram account gained more than a million followers since November, according to Social Blade statistics.
On the cover of The Cut, she recently said, “At the end of the day, I’m not a politician. I’m here to be a support system for Z and to use the role in the best way that I can as an artist.”
