Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old democratic socialist recently inaugurated as mayor of New York City, started his first full day in office with a familiar scene to many city residents: a subway ride. Bundled against a sharp winter chill and appearing to ward off a cold, Mamdani left the modest Queens apartment he shares with his wife on Friday morning. Unusually, his journey was accompanied by a photo and video team and frequent well-wishes from neighbors.
During the train ride toward Manhattan, Mamdani, flanked by security personnel and a small group of aides, greeted fellow passengers with friendly exchanges and selfie requests. Settling into a corner seat, he turned to reviewing briefing documents, underscoring the balance between connecting with the public and preparing for official responsibilities. When two French visitors, puzzled by the attention, approached him, he introduced himself as the city's new mayor and verified this by showing the day's New York Daily News, featuring his portrait.
Mamdani's subway commute continues a tradition among city mayors using public transit to project relatability and engage citizens. Previous mayors, including Eric Adams, Bill de Blasio, and Michael Bloomberg, have similarly utilized subway rides as public engagements, particularly during notable political moments. Mamdani's ride quickly attracted social media attention, highlighting its symbolic nature alongside his inaugural assertion that the city's government should reflect the diversity and experiences of its populace.
Early in his term, Mamdani has demonstrated a focus on his campaign priority of making housing more affordable. Immediately following his inauguration, he traveled to a Brooklyn apartment building where he was warmly received by the tenants' union. Here, he promised the city would intensify ongoing legal actions against a landlord accused of negligence.
Concurrently, Mamdani moved to address issues surrounding previous administration policies, notably revoking several executive orders enacted late in Eric Adams' term. Two rescinded orders pertained to Israel: one adopting a disputed definition of antisemitism inclusive of particular criticisms of Israel, and another prohibiting city agencies and employees from boycotting or divesting from the country. This rollback generated prompt criticism from some Jewish groups and the Israeli government, which accused Mamdani of exacerbating antisemitism tensions through social media statements.
Responding to inquiries on Friday, Mamdani read prepared remarks affirming his administration's unwavering commitment to combating hate and division. He emphasized the retention of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism. Additionally, he announced the establishment of a "mass engagement" office designed to build on his campaign’s efforts to broaden political participation among New Yorkers.
Surrounded by supporters and onlookers eager to witness the new mayor, Mamdani recognized the significance of the moment, stating, "We have an opportunity where New Yorkers are allowing themselves to believe in the possibility of city government once again. That is not a belief that will sustain itself in the absence of action." Among his upcoming plans is relocating to the official mayoral residence in Manhattan's Upper East Side prior to the expiration of his current lease in Queens later this month.