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

New York, Jan 1, 2026 — Zohoran Mamdani has been sworn in as the first Muslim mayor in the history of New York City, marking a historic moment for the largest city in the United States. The Democrat leader took the oath late Wednesday night at Manhattan’s historic Old City Hall subway station, placing his hand on the Quran.
According to the Associated Press, the unique swearing-in ceremony was held at one of the city’s oldest subway stations, renowned for its architectural beauty. New York Attorney General Letitia James administered the oath, while Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, held two copies of the Quran.
Calling the moment “one of the greatest honors” of his life, Mamdani said the choice of venue symbolized the importance of public transportation in protecting the city’s environment, public health, and civic legacy.
In his first address as mayor, Mamdani announced the appointment of Mike Flynn as the city’s new Commissioner of Public Transportation. He concluded the brief ceremony by thanking supporters before ascending the station stairs to the streets above.
A larger public swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, where U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders—one of Mamdani’s political mentors—will administer the oath again. A public block party will follow on a stretch of Broadway known as the “Canyon of Heroes.”
Mamdani has already made history on multiple fronts. He is New York City’s first Muslim mayor, the first South Asian-origin leader, and the first mayor born in Africa. His election campaign focused on reducing the cost of living for New Yorkers and delivering meaningful structural reforms across the city.