On the first freezing winter day of 2026, surrounded by thousands of supporters and progressive Democratic allies, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani promised to tell “a new story about our city.”
“The city government will pursue an agenda of safety, affordability and abundance – where government looks and acts like the people it represents,” Mamdani said during his inaugural address.
That message carried the 34-year-old democratic socialist to an unexpected election victory in November. His vision includes sweeping changes such as universal childcare, free city buses and city-owned supermarkets.
But Mamdani will face several challenges as he tries to deliver on his promises, and he must retain the support of key political players – starting on his first full day in office.
1. Financing political promises
Mamdani has focused on cost-of-living issues, including a rent freeze on subsidized housing and universal free childcare.
Some goals he can achieve on his own, without much expense. For example, a rent freeze could be achieved by appointing allies to the city’s housing control commission.
Finding funding for other goals will be complicated by city and state budget constraints. Mamdani said some of the funding would come from new taxes on the wealthy, aiming to raise up to $9 billion, and a corporate tax rate increase from 7.25% to 11.5%.
State support is needed for tax changes, and Gov. Kathy Hochul has already indicated she may not support a broader tax plan.
2. Avoiding White House intervention
President Donald Trump called Mamdani a “communist mayor” before the election and threatened to withhold billions in federal funding.
Their first meeting in November was much more amicable than expected, but their political positions are diametrically opposed, which could cause tension, especially on immigration policy.
Mamdani has pledged to keep New York “a city of immigrants, built and run by immigrants.”
3. Working with business leaders
Mamdani’s unexpected victory in the Democratic primary shocked Wall Street. Some business leaders threatened to leave the city, while others tried to support alternative candidates.
The mayor has held meetings with leaders such as JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and Jeffrey Gural, who have expressed a willingness to cooperate, but also concerns about his experience and planned taxes.
Professor Patrick Egan points out: “Every mayor of New York needs the cooperation of business leaders, especially in finance and real estate, to make the city work.”
4. Public safety
As mayor, Mamdani faces a long-standing challenge – maintaining safety and crime control in New York.
Crime rates have fallen since the Covid-19 pandemic, which gives Mamdani space to think about creative solutions, including social programs and community support.
He plans to create a Department of Community Safety, which would include mental health, crisis response and subway operations. Political and professional observers say public safety will be a key factor in success or failure.
