Zohran Mamdani began his first full day as New York City mayor less than 24 hours after a jubilant inauguration, opting for a symbolic commute that echoed his campaign message of relatability and inclusion.
Bundled against freezing temperatures, the 34-year-old Democratic socialist left the one-bedroom Queens apartment he shares with his wife and boarded the subway to City Hall, accompanied by security and aides. The moment quickly drew attention from commuters, some stopping for selfies, while others expressed disbelief until Mamdani pointed to a newspaper headline bearing his face.
Images of the new mayor riding public transit spread rapidly on social media, reinforcing his pledge that City Hall should “look and live like the people it represents.” The gesture followed a tradition embraced by several past mayors, including Eric Adams, Bill de Blasio and Michael Bloomberg.
Once at City Hall, Mamdani moved swiftly into governing mode, reviewing briefings, signing orders and announcing early appointments. He also underscored his focus on affordability, visiting a Brooklyn apartment building hours after his inauguration to pledge stronger legal action against a landlord accused of neglect, drawing cheers from tenant groups.
However, his first day also brought controversy. In a bid to reset his administration, Mamdani revoked several executive orders issued late in former mayor Eric Adams’ term, including two related to Israel. One had adopted a disputed definition of antisemitism that includes some criticism of Israel, while another barred city agencies from boycotting or divesting from the country.
New York’s new mayor starts the job like millions of New Yorkers do — on the subway. 🚇
— Switch Media Kenya (@switchtvkenya) January 3, 2026
Zohran Mamdani’s first commute to City Hall sends a message about leadership, identity, and a city that works for everyone. pic.twitter.com/tS7E4QDZpF
The decision sparked swift backlash from some Jewish organisations and criticism from the Israeli government, which accused Mamdani of fuelling division. Responding to the criticism, the mayor said his administration would be “relentless” in combating hate, noting that the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism would remain in place.
Mamdani also announced the creation of a new “mass engagement” office aimed at sustaining the grassroots mobilisation that powered his campaign and bringing more New Yorkers into civic participation.
Addressing supporters outside City Hall, Mamdani acknowledged the expectations surrounding his historic victory, saying public belief in city government must be matched by action.
The new mayor is expected to move into the official mayoral residence on Manhattan’s Upper East Side later this month, as his administration begins navigating both high public hopes and intense political scrutiny.
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