US congresswoman hails New York mayor Zohran Mamdani as ‘new future for all of us’

Democrat Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City's mayor on Thursday, January 1, beginning his term with a public ceremony on the steps of City Hall. He has pledged to pursue a liberal agenda and tackle the city's pressing cost-of-living challenges.

Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Party's left-wing democratic socialist faction, won last November’s election in a high-profile victory that could shape how Democrats approach this year’s midterm elections, which will determine control of the U.S. Congress.

The 34-year-old campaigned on cost-of-living issues and was a vocal critic of Republican President Donald Trump, whose approval rating has declined over the past year amid economic concerns.

New York’s 8 million residents are watching closely, some with hope and others with caution, expecting Mamdani to be a disruptive force in local politics.

The inauguration program featured appearances by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, fellow democratic socialists who are prominent figures in the Democratic Party's liberal wing. Sanders, whom Mamdani has called his inspiration, presided over the ceremony.

Despite freezing temperatures, the city set up a viewing area along Broadway to allow thousands more people to watch a livestream of the event, which included musical performances.

-Production: Soren Larson/Reuters