Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor of New York City shortly after midnight in a private ceremony held in an abandoned beaux arts subway station, with daylong celebrations planned including a public swearing-in and a block party outside City Hall.
First Muslim Mayor Takes Office
Mamdani, 34, took office with New York Attorney General Letitia James administering the oath. Present were his wife, Rama Duwaji, family members including filmmaker Mira Nair and Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani, and outgoing mayor Eric Adams.
“This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani said. “I cannot wait to see everyone tomorrow as we begin our term.”
He emphasized the importance of public transit, stating, “After just having taken my oath to become the mayor of the city of New York, I do so also here in the old City Hall subway station – a testament to the importance of public transit to the vitality, the health, the legacy of our city.”
During the ceremony, Mamdani announced Mike Flynn, a veteran city planner, as the new transportation commissioner, expressing his desire to make New York’s public transit network “the envy of the world.” Flynn called it the “job of a lifetime.”
Historic Swearing-In
Mamdani made history as the first mayor of New York City to be sworn in using a Qur’an, Islam’s holiest book. He used his grandfather’s Qur’an and one lent by the New York Public Library that belonged to Arturo Schomburg, a Black writer and historian.
The ceremony included a diverse group of New Yorkers selected for his inaugural committee, including actor John Turturro, playwright Cole Escola, and writer Colson Whitehead, as well as advocates, small business owners, and campaign workers.
Public Inauguration Planned
A public event is scheduled for 1 p.m., where Mamdani will be introduced by Bronx Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and sworn in by Vermont senator Bernie Sanders.
Mamdani’s office stated the choice of the old City Hall subway station reflects his “commitment to the working people who keep our city running every day.” He described the station as a “physical monument to a city that dared to be both beautiful and build great things that would transform working people’s lives.”
Rise to Power
Mamdani’s election represents a significant shift in New York City politics, both for a political newcomer and for the Democratic Socialist party he represents. He defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican activist Curtis Sliwa in November, securing 50.78% of the vote.
His campaign focused on affordability, rent freezes, free metro transport, city-run grocery stores, and a department of community safety to invest in mental health programs. A campaign spokesperson said his success was due to “being everywhere all of the time,” with over 10,000 volunteers canvassing over 100,000 doors.
Democrat campaign veteran Hank Sheinkopf said Mamdani “represents the city of the future – a more Asian city, a more Muslim city, and what could be a more leftwing city.”
In his victory speech, Mamdani spoke of his commitment to working New Yorkers, stating, “New York, this power, it’s yours. This city belongs to you.”
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