Bob Schwartz

On New Year’s Day, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as Mayor of New York.

Much has been said about his election as leader of America’s biggest and most important city and one of the most significant cities in the world.

You have heard that he is young, that he is charismatic, that he is a Democratic Socialist, that he is a Muslim who was sworn in on a Quran, that his election was unexpected. You have heard that he has been attacked as a Communist, a terrorist, an antisemite. You have heard that New York billionaires are considering leaving the one-of-a-kind city they love and that enabled them to become billionaires. (No, he is not a Communist, terrorist or antisemite. No, those billionaires will not be leaving New York because, well, it’s New York.)

Whatever you’ve heard, hear for yourself. Following is the inspired and inspiring speech Mamdani gave at his inauguration. Leading New York City is more challenging than leading many states, especially in 2025. Whatever your politics and public philosophy, you will hear a genuinely optimistic call to expect more and work together to achieve it. For every mention of New York and New Yorkers, substitute America and Americans.

I am a native New Yorker, spending most of my life away from the city, in a sort of geographical diaspora. Meaning: I am always a New Yorker. I could not be prouder to say that than when watching the future of New York with Mamdani.