Zohran Mamdani made history on January 1, 2026, by being sworn in as the 112th Mayor of New York City, becoming both the city's first Indian American and Muslim mayor, as well as its youngest in over a century. During his inaugural address, delivered from a historic subway station beneath City Hall and later at a public ceremony, Mamdani notably pledged to "replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism." This statement signals a clear ideological direction for his administration, aligning with his identity as a Democratic Socialist. Mamdani's campaign focused heavily on addressing New York City's affordability crisis, promising initiatives like universal public childcare, fare-free city buses, a rent freeze on rent-stabilized units, and an increase in affordable housing. His ascent to the mayoral office followed a surprising victory in the 2025 election, where he defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The pronouncement of 'collectivism' has sparked considerable debate and discussion across political spectrums, with supporters viewing it as a move towards greater equity and shared prosperity, while critics express concerns about its implications for individual liberties and economic realities. The inauguration and his initial policy stances indicate a significant shift in the political landscape and governance approach for one of the world's largest cities.