Supporters praise Mamdani's grassroots win, vision for New York City

Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as New York City's first Muslim mayor on Thursday (January 01) , drawing thousands to City Hall in a ceremony supporters hailed as a "new chapter" in the city's history.

Mamdani, 34, a democratic socialist, campaigned on affordability issues such as rent freezes, free buses, and childcare—key initiatives he vowed to prioritize. Elected in a November landslide, his victory is seen as a bellwether for progressive Democrats ahead of this year's midterm elections.

"The support Zohran garnered is built on grassroots movements," said Ayman Azizuddin, 26, a healthcare worker from San Francisco, who praised Mamdani's persistence against corporate-backed opponents.

Attendees at the inauguration shared high hopes for his tenure, albeit with caution. "This is a chance for hope," said Chelsea Villalba, a 27-year-old social worker. "He's genuine and represents working-class values, which are desperately needed."

Mamdani's rise has not been without controversy, but longtime supporters, like Steve Auerbach, a 65-year-old healthcare worker, believe he will unite the city. "He is clear in his anti-antisemitism and supports a safer New York for all communities," Auerbach said, reflecting on his past activism with Mamdani.

Many of New York's 8 million residents - some with hope, some with trepidation - expect him to be a disruptive political force.

Mamdani, a former state lawmaker, promised a freeze on rents and free buses and childcare, building a campaign around affordability issues that some have seen as a path forward for the Democratic Party around the country ahead of November midterm elections.

-Aleksandra Michalska and Suheir Sheikh