Zohran Mamdani Sworn in as New York City's First Muslim Mayor

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 historic, decommissioned City Hall subway station. Administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James, the ceremony marked Mamdani's historic ascent as the city's first Muslim and South Asian mayor.

Accompanied by his wife, Rama Duwaji, and immediate family members, Mamdani took the oath of office with his hand on two Qurans: his grandfather's and a rare 18th or early 19th-century pocket-sized Quran from the New York Public Library's Schomburg Center.

In his remarks, Mamdani emphasized 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, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will deliver opening remarks. The day's events will conclude with a block party on Broadway, celebrating the beginning of Mamdani's term.

Mamdani's election represents a significant shift in New York City's political landscape. Born in Uganda and raised in New York after immigrating at age 7, he previously served in the State Assembly. His campaign focused on affordability, proposing initiatives such as free child care, rent freezes, and public grocery stores.

Despite inheriting a city largely recovered from the pandemic, Mamdani faces challenges related to the cost of living, political opposition, and public skepticism over some of his views, particularly on foreign policy.