Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s mayor today in a historic midnight ceremony, marking him as the first Muslim, South Asian, and, at 34 years old, the youngest leader in over a century for the largest city in the US.
The democratic socialist took the oath just after the New Year’s ball drop in the decommissioned Old City Hall subway station, a Beaux-Arts gem closed since 1945, symbolizing his commitment to public transit and working-class roots.
Give the gift of hope
We practice what we preach:
accurate, fearless journalism. But we can't do it alone.
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
Join us.
Support The Media Line. Save democracy.
New York Attorney General Letitia James administered the private oath, with Mamdani placing his hand on Qurans—including one from his grandfather and a historic edition on loan from the New York Public Library. His wife, artist Rama Duwaji, and close family attended, as he vowed to uphold the US Constitution and state laws amid cheers from supporters. Mamdani immediately named Mike Flynn as transportation commissioner, highlighting priorities such as free buses, expanded bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly streets.
A grand public inauguration followed at 1 p.m. on City Hall steps, officiated by Sen. Bernie Sanders, with opening remarks from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Around 4,000 gathered in City Hall Plaza for speeches and music, transitioning to a “Canyon of Heroes” block party on Broadway for tens of thousands more, livestreamed widely.
Mamdani’s victory drew a record turnout, defeating Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa with 50% of the votes on promises of affordable childcare, city-run groceries, and rent freezes. President Donald Trump shifted from threats to praise post-election, signaling potential collaboration on city woes.