Zohran Mamdani Makes History: Sworn In as NYC's First Muslim Mayor in Symbolic Midnight Ceremony

NEW YORK, NY – A new chapter has officially begun for New York City as Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as its 111th mayor just after midnight on Thursday, January 1, 2026. In a profoundly symbolic private ceremony held in the historic, decommissioned Old City Hall subway station, Mamdani became the city's first Muslim mayor, marking a pivotal moment in the metropolis's diverse history.

A Midnight Oath in a Historic Setting

The oath of office was administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James in the early hours of Thursday, a private event attended by close family, including his wife, Rama Duwaji. Mamdani, a self-identified socialist, chose the venerable Old City Hall Station—one of New York's original 28 subway stations from 1904—as the backdrop for his swearing-in, underscoring his administration's commitment to public transit and the city's working-class roots. He notably took his oath using a Quran, a first for a New York City mayor.

"This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime," Mamdani stated in a brief, heartfelt speech following the ceremony.

Vision for a City Built "By and For New Yorkers"

In his inaugural address, Mayor Mamdani emphasized the profound significance of his chosen location. He hailed the historic subway station as a "testament to the importance of public transit to the vitality, the health and the legacy of our city." His transition team echoed this sentiment, describing the subway system as the "lifeblood of New York" and a powerful symbol of the city he pledges to fight for: "a city built by and for New Yorkers."

Mamdani articulated a vision that harks back to the city's ambitious past. "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," he remarked in a press release. "That ambition need not be a memory confined only to our past... it will be the purpose of the administration fortunate enough to serve New Yorkers."

First Actions and Public Inauguration

As one of his first official acts, Mayor Mamdani announced the appointment of Mike Flynn as his new Department of Transportation commissioner, signaling an immediate focus on the city's infrastructure and transit systems.

While the midnight ceremony was private, New Yorkers are invited to a grand public inauguration later on Thursday afternoon. Slated for 1 p.m. on the steps of City Hall, the event will feature opening remarks from progressive ally Dem. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, followed by the public administration of the oath by Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. In a break from tradition, Mamdani's team has extended an open invitation to all New Yorkers for the inauguration and a celebratory block party immediately afterward, eschewing the typical ticketed event for roughly 4,000 guests.

A Rapid Ascent to Power

Mamdani's ascension to the mayoralty follows a remarkably swift political journey. He soundly defeated formidable opponents, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, in the early November elections. His mayoral campaign, launched in October 2024 with initially modest support, rapidly gained momentum, culminating in a decisive victory that solidified the growing influence of socialist and progressive movements within the city.

Closing the intimate midnight ceremony with a smile, Mayor Mamdani bid farewell to the small gathering, stating, "Thank you all so much, now I will see you later," before heading off to prepare for a day that promises to be as historic as its dawn. New York City, under its new leadership, now looks forward to an era defined by renewed ambition, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to its foundational values.