Bernie Sanders backs free child care at Zohran Mamdani’s NYC mayoral inauguration

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Senator Bernie Sanders on Thursday, January 1, backed free child care during Zohran Mamdani's New York City mayoral inauguration, saying it is what children require.

Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the mayor of New York City on Thursday, as he promised a "new era" for the nation’s largest metropolis as he formally took office.

Bernie Sanders says 'providing high-quality child care is not radical'

Bernie Sanders said during Zohran Mamdani's inauguration, "Providing free and high-quality child care is not radical. Countries all over the world have done it for years."

"It is what our kids require if they're going to be well-prepared for school, and what working parents desperately need," the Senator added. Before the inauguration, Sanders said he is "proud" to play a role as the city ushers in a new administration. 

He wrote on X, "I’m proud to be swearing in @ZohranKMamdani as Mayor of New York on January 1. Zohran and his supporters showed the world that when working people stand together, we can defeat the Democratic and Republican establishments, Trump, and the Oligarchs. Best of luck to the new mayor."

Mamdani enjoyed full backing from Sanders during the campaign. The NYC Mayor has earlier described Sanders as a "political inspiration".

Meanwhile, Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also campaigned alongside Sanders and Mamdani during the race, helping solidify a left-wing coalition behind his candidacy.

Zohran Mamdani vows a new era for New York City

During his inaugural address, Zohran Mamdani told the people that his administration would prioritize courage over comfort. He said the moment was something defined by responsibility and possibility, adding that leadership required taking risks in pursuit of justice.

He said that "a moment like this comes rarely, and rarer still is it that the people themselves whose hands are upon the levers of change."

"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. We may not always succeed, but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try," Mamdani added.

He also made clear that his political identity would remain unchanged now that he holds office. Mamdani said, "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 called radical."

He ended his remarks by reminding the people of New York that his administration’s work was only beginning, as he told the crowd, "The work has only just begun."

After taking office, Mamdani moved to reverse several executive orders issued by former Mayor Eric Adams following his September 2024 indictment.

One of those was a directive that barred city appointees from participating in boycotts or divestment efforts related to Israel. The Mayor's office said the reversals were intended to offer a "fresh start for the incoming administration" and allow for the reissuance of policies aligned with its governing values.