During the swearing-in ceremony for New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) expressed optimism about the future, heralding the event as the dawn of a transformative period for the city.

“This moment ushers in a new era for New York City under the leadership of Zohran Mamdani, a historic figure whose commitment to the working class fuels the lifeblood of our vibrant metropolis,” Ocasio-Cortez announced during the public inauguration held on New Year’s Day.

She emphasized the collective decision of New Yorkers to embrace boldness over timidity, stating, “We have opted for prosperity for the many rather than the enrichment of a select few. When faced with the choice to cling to the past, we have courageously turned towards crafting a future that includes us all.”

Further underscoring her point, Ocasio-Cortez highlighted Mamdani’s unique approach to governance. Having taken his oath on the Islamic Quran in a private ceremony earlier that Thursday, Mamdani has pledged to govern as a democratic socialist, promising a revival of robust government intervention.

In Zohran Mamdani, we have chosen a mayor who is relentlessly dedicated to making life not just possible but aspirational for working people. New York City has chosen the ambitious pursuit of universal child care, affordable rent and housing, and clean and dignified public transit for all, and we have chosen that over the distractions of bigotry and the barbarism of extreme income inequality.

Mamdani, who took his oath on the Islamic Quran in a private ceremony early Thursday morning, vowed to govern as a democratic socialist and said he would revive “the era of big government.”

The former New York State Assembly member was sworn in by another fellow socialist, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).