New York City Democratic Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Thursday told residents in his inaugural address that he would "govern expansively and audaciously" as the city's newest leader and defended his broad agenda to make the city affordable.

The mayor, a Democratic socialist, was elected in November after defeating former New York Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. 

Some of his policy ideas include city-owned grocery stores, building more affordable housing and free city buses.

Mamdani was formally sworn into office in a private ceremony just after midnight on Thursday, but his larger, more high-profile and public inauguration took place Thursday afternoon at City Hall. 

The mayor promised to govern the city as a "democratic socialist," and said that although he might not be successful in all of his plans for the city, it would not be because of a lack of courage to try.

“In writing this address, I have been told that this is the occasion to reset expectations, that I should use this opportunity to encourage the people of New York to ask for little and expect even less,” Mamdani said. “I will do no such thing.

“The only expectation I seek to reset is that of small expectations. Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously," he continued. “We will govern without shame and insecurity, making no apology for what we believe. I was elected as a democratic socialist, and I will govern as a democratic socialist. I will not abandon my principles for fear of being deemed radical.” 

The mayor also attempted to unify the city by promising to stand as strongly with the people who did not vote for him in November, as he does with those who did.

“I know there are some who view this administration with distrust or disdain, or who see politics as permanently broken," Mamdani said. “While only action can change minds, I promise you this — if you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor, regardless of whether we agree. I will protect you, celebrate with you, mourn alongside you, and never, not for a second, hide from you."

The public inauguration included appearances from Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, who administered the ceremonial oath of office, and New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who delivered the opening remarks.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.