New York City has ushered in a new era of leadership. Zohran Mamdani, a 34‑year‑old Democrat and democratic socialist, was sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City just after midnight on January 1, marking a series of historic firsts for the nation’s largest city.
In a private ceremony held at the decommissioned Old City Hall subway station in Manhattan, a nod to his focus on public transit and working‑class New Yorkers, Mamdani took the oath of office administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
What made the moment especially symbolic was his choice to place his hands on two Qurans as he swore to uphold the duties of his office. One belonged to his grandfather, and the other came from a historic collection at the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
By taking his oath with the Qurans, Mamdani became the first Muslim mayor in New York City history, a milestone reflecting the city’s deep diversity. He is also the city’s first mayor of South Asian descent and the first mayor born in Africa, in addition to being one of the youngest to hold the office in generations.
In his brief remarks after the ceremony, Mamdani called the moment “an honor and a privilege,” emphasizing the connection between the location and his broader vision for the city. The Old City Hall station, with its iconic arches and historic significance, served as a symbolic backdrop for a leader promising transformative change.
Soon after, Mamdani introduced Mike Flynn as the city’s new Transportation Commissioner, an early indication of his priorities, which include affordable transit, expanded public services, and policies addressing the cost of living in New York.
A public swearing‑in ceremony at City Hall, officiated by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, and a block party along the “Canyon of Heroes” are scheduled for later in the day.
