Oath administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James at historic City Hall subway station as Mamdani becomes New York City’s first Muslim mayor.
Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City mayor just minutes into the New Year during a historic midnight ceremony at the Old City Hall subway station, marking the beginning of a new political era in America’s largest city.
The oath of office was administered by Letitia James, with Mamdani placing his hand on the holy Quran as he pledged to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the laws of New York State. His wife, Rama Duwaji, stood beside him during the solemn ceremony.
“This is truly an honour and a privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani said, wishing New Yorkers a Happy New Year while standing beneath the vaulted ceiling of the historic station.
At just 34 years old, Mamdani becomes New York City’s first Muslim mayor and one of the youngest to hold the office. A democratic socialist, he ran a campaign centered on affordability, promising rent freezes, free buses, and free childcare, themes that resonated strongly with voters amid rising living costs.
Mamdani won a record-breaking election, securing nearly 50% of the vote and defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. More than 2 million voters turned out, marking one of the highest participations in city history.
The choice of the decommissioned City Hall subway station for the swearing-in, according to Mamdani’s transition team, symbolized his commitment to working-class New Yorkers who keep the city running.
His public inauguration, dubbed the “Inauguration of a New Era,” will feature ceremonies on City Hall steps, a large public gathering, musical performances, and speeches from progressive leaders including Senator Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
