Published January 1, 2026
Zoran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor of New York shortly after midnight in a historic ceremony at a defunct Manhattan subway station.
Mamdani, who made history as the first Muslim to lead America’s largest city, took the oath with his hand on the Quran.
“This is truly an honor and a once-in-a-lifetime privilege,” Mamdani said in a short speech.
The private ceremony, held by New York State Attorney General Letitia James at the architecturally stunning Old City Hall Station, one of the city’s original subway stations known for its vaulted ceilings, marked the official transition of power.
In his inaugural address, Mamdani highlighted the venue as “a testament to the importance of public transport to the vitality, health and heritage of our cities” and announced the appointment of Mike Flynn as the new Secretary of Transportation.
The mayor finished his short greeting by saying, “Thank you very much, everyone. See you again,” and then went up the stairs with a smile on his face.
A more elaborate inauguration ceremony will take place at City Hall at 1pm (6pm GMT). A public celebration will follow at Broadway’s Canyon of Heroes, famous for its ticker tape parade.
Mamdani breaks multiple barriers as he steps into one of the most demanding political positions in the United States. At 34, he is the city’s youngest mayor and the first Muslim, South Asian and African-born mayor.
