Zohran Mamdani officially became the mayor of New York City just after midnight on New Year’s Day, taking the oath of office in a rare and symbolic ceremony held deep beneath Manhattan at a historic, decommissioned subway station.
Mamdani, a Democrat, made history as the first Muslim mayor of the United States’ largest city. He was sworn in with his hand placed on a Quran held by his wife, artist Rama Duwaji, marking a deeply personal moment in a career that has drawn national and international attention.
“This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani said in brief remarks following the oath.
The private ceremony was administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James, a close political ally, at the old City Hall subway station — one of the city’s original stops, renowned for its elegant arches and architectural beauty. Long closed to the public, the station was chosen for its symbolism.
In his first words as mayor, Mamdani described the site as a reflection of the city’s values. He called it a “testament to the importance of public transit to the vitality, the health and the legacy of our city.”
Moments later, smiling, he added simply: “Thank you all so much, now I will see you later,” before ascending a staircase back to street level.
A second, public swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for later on New Year’s Day at City Hall, where US Senator Bernie Sanders — one of Mamdani’s political heroes — will administer the oath. The event will be followed by a public block party along Broadway’s famed “Canyon of Heroes,” traditionally reserved for New York’s iconic ticker-tape parades.
At just 34 years old, Mamdani becomes New York City’s first mayor of South Asian descent and the first to be born in Africa. Born in Uganda, he moved to the United States at the age of seven, a journey that has featured prominently in his political story.
Mamdani now takes office as one of the most closely watched politicians in the country. His mayoral campaign reshaped political debate around the issue of affordability, pushing the cost of living to the center of the national conversation.
A self-described democratic socialist, he campaigned on promises of sweeping reforms aimed at easing life in one of the world’s most expensive cities. His platform includes free child care, fare-free buses, a rent freeze affecting roughly one million households, and a pilot programme for city-run grocery stores.
As his administration begins, supporters see Mamdani’s rise as a generational shift in American urban politics — while critics are watching closely to see whether his bold promises can be translated into action.
For now, New York City enters the new year under new leadership, with a mayor whose story and agenda have already made history.
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