Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor of New York City in the early hours of January 1, 2026, taking office at the start of the new year after winning the November 2025 election. Mamdani, a former member of the New York State Assembly, became the city’s 112th mayor and made history as the first person of Muslim faith and of South Asian descent to lead the nation’s largest city. He is also among the youngest individuals to hold the position. 

The initial oath of office took place shortly after midnight in a private ceremony at the decommissioned Old City Hall subway station in Manhattan, a venue chosen for its symbolic connection to the city’s working-class history. New York State Attorney General Letitia James administered the oath, and Mamdani used a Qur’an during the ceremony, reflecting his faith. 

Following the private swearing-in, a public inauguration was planned later in the day at City Hall Plaza, with a larger audience and celebrations themed around the beginning of his term. Organizers scheduled a block party along Broadway and a formal ceremony with invited guests.

Mamdani was elected in November 2025 after campaigning on issues including housing affordability, public transit expansion, and social services. His victory marked a notable moment in New York City politics, as he succeeded Eric Adams and introduced a new leadership perspective in a city grappling with rising living costs and complex urban challenges. 

Sources: AP News, Al Jazeera, CNN