Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as New York City’s First Muslim Mayor

Zohran Kwame Mamdani was sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City, becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor (as well as its first South Asian and African-born mayor).

The private midnight ceremony took place in the historic, abandoned Old City Hall subway station, where New York Attorney General Letitia James administered the oath. Mamdani placed his hand on two Qurans—one from his family and a historic one from the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center—marking another first for the city.

A public ceremony followed later that day on the steps of City Hall, with Senator Bernie Sanders administering a ceremonial oath and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introducing him, accompanied by a block party celebration.

Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist and former state assemblyman, succeeded Eric Adams after winning the 2025 election in an upset victory over Andrew Cuomo (running as an independent) and Curtis Sliwa (Republican).

This historic transition coincided with New Year’s celebrations, symbolizing a new era for the city focused on affordability, public transit, and progressive policies.