In a ceremony that broke with tradition, Zohran Mamdani was officially sworn in as the 111th mayor of New York City on January 1, 2026, becoming the first Muslim to lead the metropolis.
A Historic Oath in a Hidden Gem
The private inauguration was held not in City Hall, but deep beneath it, in the decommissioned and architecturally stunning old City Hall subway station. With its vaulted tile ceilings, the historic site served as a symbolic backdrop for Mamdani's commitment to public transit. "A testament to the importance of public transit to the vitality, the health, the legacy of our city," he stated after taking the oath, which was administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
In another historic first, Mamdani took his oath of office on a Quran, specifically his grandfather's copy. His wife, Rama Duwaji, stood beside him, while his parents, filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani, looked on.
The Path to City Hall
The 34-year-old's journey to the mayor's office is unconventional. Born in Uganda to an Indian mother and Gujarati Muslim father, he moved to the United States as a child and became a naturalised citizen in 2018. A former housing counsellor and hip-hop artist, he only entered politics in 2020, winning a seat in the New York State Assembly representing Astoria, Queens.
His Democratic socialist campaign, which promised radical change, resonated with over a million New Yorkers. He defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who had been endorsed by Donald Trump. Mamdani's platform is built on several eye-catching policies:
- Freezing rents in one of the world's most expensive cities.
- Introducing free bus service.
- Establishing universal childcare and city-owned supermarkets.
His energetic, grassroots style saw him connect with diverse communities across the city, from taxi drivers and halal food cart vendors to LGBTQ+ clubs and dozens of mosques.
Challenges and a New Vision
Mamdani's rise was not without controversy. During the campaign, he faced false accusations of wanting to implement 'sharia law' and was repeatedly targeted for his religious beliefs. Republicans, including Trump, suggested the naturalised citizen might be deported.
He has also been a vocal critic of Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank and has pledged to 'Trump-proof' New York against immigration enforcement raids. He now leads a city eager for change but facing profound challenges, from the housing crisis to the cost of living.
"I cannot wait to see everyone tomorrow as we begin our term," Mamdani told supporters, calling the mayoralty a "privilege of a lifetime." His inauguration marks a significant milestone in the political history of both New York and the United States.
