Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as New York City Mayor
Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the new mayor of New York City just after midnight on January 1, 2026. The oath taking ceremony was held at the decommissioned Old City Hall subway station beneath City Hall Park in Manhattan. The location was chosen for its historical significance and its link to the city’s public transport system. Mamdani took the oath with his hand placed on the Quran.
Historic milestone for New York City
At 34, Mamdani becomes the youngest mayor of New York City in generations. He is also the city’s first Muslim mayor, the first of South Asian origin, and the first mayor born in Africa. Born in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani moved to New York as a child and later entered public life through grassroots activism before serving as a member of the New York State Assembly. His victory in the 2025 mayoral election marked a significant shift in the city’s political landscape.
Public inauguration and agenda ahead
Following the midnight ceremony, a larger public inauguration is scheduled later in the day at City Hall, along with public celebrations. As mayor, Mamdani has pledged to focus on issues such as affordability, housing, public transportation and social equity. He takes office at a time when New York City continues to face economic pressures and demands for policy reform.
