Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City just after midnight on January 1, 2026, in a private ceremony held in the historic, decommissioned Old City Hall subway station in Lower Manhattan — a symbolic site chosen to reflect his focus on public transit and working-class New Yorkers.

New York Attorney General Letitia James administered the oath of office in the underground ceremony attended by Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, and immediate family, including his mother, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, and his father, scholar Mahmood Mamdani.

  • “This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani said after taking the oath at the century-old station, telling supporters he looked forward to the public inauguration later in the day.

Historic Firsts and Symbolism

At 34 years old, Mamdani becomes:

  • New York City’s first Muslim mayor
  • The city’s first South Asian and African-born mayor
  • Its youngest mayor in generations

He was sworn in with his hand on a Qur’an, using both his grandfather’s copy and one formerly owned by Black historian Arturo Schomburg, underlining the diversity of the city he now leads.

Public Ceremony and Celebrations

Later on January 1, a public swearing-in ceremony was scheduled on the steps of City Hall, with progressive leaders such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expected to participate. A block party along Broadway’s “Canyon of Heroes” was planned to celebrate the inauguration with the broader public.

From Underdog to Mayor

Mamdani’s rise was remarkable. A former New York State Assembly member representing parts of Queens, he launched a bid for mayor in late 2024 and quickly became a national story. Once trailing establishment favorite Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary polls, Mamdani surged through grassroots organizing, social media, and appeals to younger, working-class voters.

In the November 4, 2025, general election, he won with 50.78 % of the vote, defeating Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.

Agenda and Challenges

Mamdani campaigned on a progressive platform with bold proposals, including:

  • Rent freezes for rent-stabilized units
  • Fare-free public buses and expanded transit
  • Universal public childcare
  • City-run grocery stores to reduce the cost of living
  • A $30 minimum wage by 2030

Supporters say his agenda speaks to affordability crises in post-pandemic New York. Critics — including some business leaders and segments of the Jewish community — have expressed skepticism about the practicality of his plans and some of his positions on foreign policy during the campaign.

Transition and Administration

Mamdani succeeds outgoing mayor Eric Adams and, according to transition plans, will work with experienced civic and policy leaders to implement his agenda. His mayoral office has already begun key appointments in leadership roles ahead of his term.