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

Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City's 112th mayor just after midnight on January 1, 2026, in a private ceremony at the historic, decommissioned City Hall subway station in Manhattan. New York Attorney General Letitia James administered the oath, marking Mamdani's inauguration as the city's first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born mayor.

During the ceremony, Mamdani placed his hand on two Qurans: one belonging to his grandfather and a pocket-sized version from the late 18th or early 19th century, part of the New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. This marked the first time a New York City mayor used Islam's holy text for the swearing-in.

In his first remarks as mayor, Mamdani emphasized the significance of public transit to the city's vitality and announced the appointment of Mike Flynn as the new Department of Transportation commissioner.

A public inauguration ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. on January 1 at City Hall, where U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders will administer the oath. The event will be followed by a block party along Broadway's "Canyon of Heroes," celebrating the new administration.

Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democrat and democratic socialist, previously served in the New York State Assembly representing Queens. His platform includes policies such as free buses, rent freezes, and city-run grocery stores, aiming to address affordability and public welfare in the city.