Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as New York City's First Muslim Mayor
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Zohran Mamdani, 34, has been inaugurated as New York City's 112th mayor, marking historic firsts as the city's first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born leader.
Zohran Mamdani, 34, was inaugurated as New York City's 112th mayor on January 1, 2026, becoming the city's first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born leader. The midnight ceremony took place in the historic, decommissioned City Hall subway station beneath Manhattan, where Mamdani placed his hand on two Qurans: one belonging to his grandfather and another from the New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
New York Attorney General Letitia James administered the oath, with Mamdani's wife, Rama Duwaji, by his side. In his remarks, Mamdani emphasized the significance of the venue, stating it was a "testament to the importance of public transit to the vitality, the health, the legacy of our city."
A public inauguration followed later that day on the steps of City Hall, where U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders administered the oath. Mamdani pledged to govern "expansively and audaciously," focusing on policies such as free childcare, free bus rides, rent freezes, and city-run grocery stores.
Mamdani's election marks a transformative moment for the city, though challenges lie ahead, including tensions with the Trump administration and skepticism from parts of the Jewish community. Still, supporters view his election as historic and inspirational, with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hailing it as a victory of "courage over fear."
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