Zohran Mamdani Officially As Mayor of New York: What Are His Main Policy Focuses?

After officially taking office, Zohran Mamdani emphasized his commitment to “govern broadly and boldly”, a promise that reflected his ambition to change the government structure in the interests of the city's working class.

He stated that he would not be afraid to implement policies that might be considered radical, considering that he was elected on a democratic socialist platform.

The agenda focuses on a “People-First” governance model, aimed at rebalancing the city's budget allocations.

Mamdani also highlighted that his leadership moment was a rare opportunity to transform and reinvent New York City.

He believes that this change must be controlled by the people themselves, ensuring that every policy taken truly reflects the aspirations and needs of the community.

Zohran Mamdani campaigned on a platform focused heavily on affordability and has promised to implement a series of progressive policies.

In the public transportation sector, he is committed to providing free city buses for all citizens, a step that is expected to ease the burden of daily living costs and encourage the use of public transportation.

On the housing issue, Mamdani plans to implement a rent freeze for about one million rent-stabilized housing units, as well as build 200,000 new affordable housing units.

This policy aims to overcome the housing crisis and ensure that every citizen has access to decent and affordable housing.

In the areas of social and economic welfare, he promised universal child care, the establishment of city-owned grocery stores in every borough to keep food prices down, and an increase in the minimum wage to $30 by 2030.

Additionally, Mamdani plans to recruit thousands of new teachers to improve the quality of education in New York City.

For public safety, he would undertake comprehensive reforms, including the creation of a Department of Community Safety that would integrate policing with mental health and homelessness services.

On the fiscal side, he would increase taxes on corporations and individuals earning over $1 million a year, as well as implement a progressive income tax structure for high-income taxpayers.

Other policies include support for LGBTQ rights and repeal of all executive orders signed by former Mayor Eric Adams after September 26, 2024, following federal corruption charges against Adams.

Zohran Kwame Mamdani was born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda, to academic Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair.

His family then moved to New York City when he was seven years old, forming strong ties to the city he now leads.

He attended Bowdoin College, graduating in 2014 with a major in African studies and a minor in government.

Prior to serving as Mayor, Mamdani had legislative experience as Member of the New York State Assembly for the 36th district, representing Astoria, Queens, from 2021 to 2025.

His victory in the 2025 mayoral election was considered a major surprise, especially after defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary.

At his inauguration January 1, 2026, Mamdani repeated his oath of office by placing his hand on the Qur'an, an important symbol as New York City's first Muslim mayor.

US Senator Bernie Sanders, one of Mamdani's political heroes, was also present and repeated the oath of office at the public ceremony, signaling significant support for his leadership.