Mamdani vows 'New Era' for New York in first remarks as NYC Mayor amid loud ‘Zohran-Zohran’ chants; First Muslim Mayor says ‘The work, my friends, has only just begun’ in viral closing remarks

Zohran Mamdani on Thursday pledged a 'new era' for New York in his first public remarks as NYC mayor, delivering a speech that energized supporters gathered outside City Hall. As loud 'Zohran-Zohran' chants echoed through the crowd, he reaffirmed the values that powered his campaign, promising inclusive leadership and bold reforms. Calling his victory a mandate for change, Mamdani emphasized fairness, affordability, and dignity for working families across the city. He closed the viral address with a clear message to supporters and critics alike: "The work, my friends, has only just begun."

At just 34, the rising political star and democratic socialist - once a little-known state assemblyman - has made history as New York City’s first Muslim mayor. According to The Guardian, he is also the first mayor of South Asian descent, the first born in Africa, and the first to take the oath of office on the Qur’an, marking a series of historic firsts that highlight the city’s growing diversity and his remarkable political ascent.



According to Euro News, after spending part of the night working in his new office, he returned to City Hall around midday in a taxi for a larger public appearance, where US Senator Bernie Sanders - one of Mamdani’s political inspirations - administered the oath for a second time.


"In writing this address, I have been told that this is the occasion to reset expectations, that I should use this opportunity to encourage the people of New York to ask for little and expect even less," he said. "I will do no such thing. The only expectation I seek to reset is that of small expectations," Mamdani said to thunderous cheers from the crowd.

"I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist. I will not abandon my principles for fear of being called radical," Mamdani added.

"If you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor," Mamdani told the crowd. "Regardless of whether we agree, I will protect you, celebrate with you, mourn alongside you and never, not for a second, hide from you."