Zohran Mamdani has officially become the mayor of New York City, taking the oath in a unique, private ceremony held shortly after midnight at the Old City Hall subway station — an abandoned yet iconic Beaux-Arts site. The intimate event was a prelude to a larger, public swearing-in later in the day, which will include a block party outside City Hall to celebrate the city’s new leadership.
The 34-year-old Mamdani was sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James, surrounded by his wife, Rama Duwaji, and close family. Among those present were his mother, filmmaker Mira Nair, and his father, Mahmood Mamdani, a professor of African studies at Columbia University.
“This is the honor of a lifetime,” Mamdani said, smiling at the gathered family and friends. “I look forward to seeing all New Yorkers tomorrow as we officially begin our term. Holding this ceremony in the old City Hall subway station is a nod to the importance of public transit in the life of our city.”
During the ceremony, Mamdani introduced Mike Flynn as the city’s new transportation commissioner. Flynn, a longtime city planner, said he was thrilled to take on “the job of a lifetime.” Mamdani expressed his vision for making New York’s public transit network a model for the world, emphasizing accessibility and reliability for every resident.
A Historic First
In a historic move, Mamdani, who is Muslim, took the oath on a Qur’an, a first for a New York City mayor. The ceremony included two Qur’ans: one belonging to his grandfather and another from Arturo Schomburg, a Black historian and writer, which was loaned to him by the New York Public Library.
The private event also included a diverse group of New Yorkers invited by Mamdani to form the inaugural committee. Among them were actor John Turturro, playwright Cole Escola, writer Colson Whitehead, local advocates, small business owners, and campaign volunteers. The mayor’s office said these individuals provided “guidance, perspective, and cultural insight” for the ceremony.
The midnight ceremony will be followed by a 1 p.m. public swearing-in, where Mamdani will be introduced by Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and sworn in by Senator Bernie Sanders.
Why the Subway Station?
Mamdani explained that the choice of location reflects his commitment to working New Yorkers.
“When the Old City Hall Station opened in 1904, it represented a city willing to build beautiful, ambitious projects to improve the lives of everyday people,” Mamdani said. “We can honor that vision today by making our city work for everyone, not just a few.”
From Political Unknown to Mayor
Mamdani’s rise to the mayoralty has been remarkable. Early in the Democratic primary, he trailed former Governor Andrew Cuomo. But a strong grassroots campaign, effective social media outreach, and a focus on issues affecting first-time voters including high rent and rising living costs helped Mamdani surge ahead.
More than 10,000 volunteers knocked on over 100,000 doors, promoting a platform of rent freezes, affordable public transport, city-run grocery stores, and a new department to support community mental health initiatives.
Campaign experts describe Mamdani as representing “a forward-looking New York more inclusive, more diverse, and progressive.”
In November, Mamdani won the election with 50.78% of the vote, defeating Republican Curtis Sliwa and Cuomo. In his victory speech, he emphasized inclusion and empowerment for all city residents:
“Let the words we’ve spoken, the dreams we’ve shared, become the agenda we deliver together. New York, this power is yours. This city belongs to you.”
A Mayor for All New Yorkers
Mamdani’s historic inauguration and his commitment to public service signal a new chapter for New York City. With a focus on transit, affordability, and community, he steps into office determined to make the city more accessible, vibrant, and fair for all residents
