Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as New York City's 112th Mayor in Historic Ceremony

Zohran Mamdani, 34, was sworn in as New York City's 112th mayor just after midnight on January 1, 2026, in a private ceremony held at the decommissioned City Hall subway station. Administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James, the event marked Mamdani's historic ascent as the city's first Muslim and South Asian mayor.

During the ceremony, Mamdani placed his hand on two Qurans: one belonging to his grandfather and a rare 18th or early 19th-century pocket-sized Quran from the New York Public Library's Schomburg Center. This choice underscored his commitment to faith and heritage.

In his remarks, Mamdani highlighted the significance of the venue, stating that the old subway station was a "testament to the importance of public transit to the vitality, the health and the legacy of our city." He also announced the appointment of Mike Flynn as the new Department of Transportation commissioner.

A public inauguration ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. at City Hall, where U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders will administer the oath. The event will be introduced by U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and followed by a block party on Broadway.

Mamdani, a Democrat and democratic socialist, previously served in the State Assembly representing Queens' 36th District. His platform emphasizes affordability, including proposals for free child care, rent freezes, and public grocery stores. Despite inheriting a city largely recovered from the pandemic, he faces challenges related to the cost of living, political opposition, and public skepticism over some of his views, particularly on foreign policy.