Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as New York City’s First Muslim Mayor in Historic Midnight Ceremony
NEW YORK, N.Y. — In a ceremony steeped in symbolism and history, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s mayor just after midnight on January 1, 2026, becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor. The private event took place at the Old City Hall Station, a decommissioned subway stop that opened in 1904 and stands as a monument to the city’s enduring public transit legacy. The oath of office was administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James, marking the start of Mamdani’s tenure with a nod to the working-class New Yorkers he vows to serve.
“This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani said in brief remarks following the ceremony. The mayor-elect used a Quran during the swearing-in, a historic first for New York City, symbolizing both his heritage and the city’s diversity. Accompanied by family members, Mamdani emphasized the importance of the subway system, calling it “the lifeblood of New York” and a testament to the city’s commitment to public infrastructure that supports millions daily.
The choice of the Old City Hall Station was deliberate. Once one of the city’s 28 original subway stations, it now serves as a powerful metaphor for Mamdani’s vision: a city built by and for its residents, especially its working-class population. “When Old City Hall Station first opened in 1904, it was a physical monument to a city that dared to be both beautiful and build great things that would transform working peoples’ lives,” Mamdani’s transition team stated in a press release. “That ambition need not be a memory confined only to our past.”
In his first official act as mayor, Mamdani announced the appointment of Mike Flynn as the new commissioner of the Department of Transportation, signaling a focus on revitalizing the city’s transit infrastructure. The appointment aligns with his broader agenda to improve public services and address longstanding urban challenges.
The mayor’s inauguration will continue with a public ceremony scheduled for Thursday afternoon at City Hall. Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont will administer the public oath, with progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivering opening remarks. This event is expected to draw a wide array of supporters and city officials, reflecting Mamdani’s coalition of progressive and working-class voters.
Attorney General Letitia James, who administered the midnight oath, has been a prominent figure in New York politics and a staunch advocate for justice and equity. Her role in the ceremony underscores the significance of Mamdani’s election and the progressive shift in the city’s political landscape.
Mamdani’s rise to the mayoralty comes amid a turbulent political climate nationally, with socialist candidates making significant gains in urban centers following the GOP’s setbacks in the 2025 off-year elections. His victory reflects a growing appetite among New Yorkers for transformative policies that prioritize affordability, public transit, and social equity.
For more details on the city’s governance and public transit initiatives, visit the official New York City website and the New York State Department of Transportation. Information on the Attorney General’s office can be found at New York State Attorney General. Coverage of progressive political movements is available through the Democratic National Committee.
As Mamdani takes the helm, New Yorkers watch closely to see how his administration will navigate the challenges of a sprawling metropolis while honoring the legacy of public service and community empowerment symbolized by the historic subway station where his journey as mayor began.
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