Zohran Mamdani has been sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City, becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor and, at 34, the youngest man in modern history to assume the office.
The oath of office was administered shortly after midnight in a private ceremony held at the abandoned City Hall subway station, a symbolic venue Mamdani said reflected his administration’s commitment to public transportation and urban equity. The oath was administered by New York State Attorney General Letitia James.
Addressing attendees after taking office, Mamdani described the moment as the honour of a lifetime, pledging to prioritise affordable housing, accessible public transport, and social welfare. He was joined by his wife, illustrator Rama Duwaji, and his parents, renowned academic Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair.
A larger public inauguration ceremony is scheduled to take place later on the steps of City Hall, with thousands of supporters expected to attend. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, a key political ally and fellow democratic socialist, is expected to participate in the ceremony.
Mamdani also announced his intention to appoint Mike Flynn as the city’s new Transportation Commissioner, signalling an early focus on public transit reform and streetscape improvement.
Elected on a platform centred on affordability, Mamdani has pledged to freeze rents for rent-stabilised tenants, make public buses free, and expand subsidised childcare. His proposals are expected to generate debate, particularly around funding mechanisms, as tax policy in New York is determined at the state level.
The new mayor assumes office following the conclusion of Eric Adams’ tenure, which was marked by political and legal controversies. Mamdani has vowed to pursue his agenda despite last-minute administrative actions taken by the outgoing administration.
Mamdani’s emergence marks a historic moment for New York City, reflecting shifting political dynamics and the growing influence of progressive urban governance movements in the United States.
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