Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City shortly after midnight on January 1, becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor as well as its first South Asian and African-born leader. The private oath-taking ceremony was held at the Old City Hall subway station in Lower Manhattan, a long-closed and historic transit site beneath the city.
The oath was administered by New York State Attorney General Letitia James. Mamdani placed his hand on two copies of the Quran — one that belonged to his grandfather and another historic copy provided by the New York Public Library — making the moment both personal and symbolic.
In brief remarks after taking office, Mamdani called the role “the honour of a lifetime” and said the location reflected his focus on public transportation and the working people who keep New York running. He also introduced his pick for Transportation Commissioner, underlining transit reform as an early priority.
At 34, Mamdani is among the youngest mayors in the city’s history. He rose to prominence through a grassroots-driven campaign centred on affordability, housing security, improved public services and economic justice. His victory in the November election marked a significant political shift, as he defeated former New York governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.
Outgoing mayor Eric Adams attended the midnight ceremony, signalling a smooth transition of power. A larger public inauguration is scheduled later in the day at City Hall Plaza. The event will include a ceremonial swearing-in by US Senator Bernie Sanders, a key supporter, followed by a public celebration along Broadway’s “Canyon of Heroes.”
Mamdani takes office at a time when New York City faces major challenges, including rising housing costs, pressure on public transport, and demands for more equitable social policies. His historic swearing-in marks the beginning of a new chapter for the city, shaped by a leadership that reflects New York’s diversity and changing political landscape.
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