Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s new mayor in the first minutes of the New Year, marking the start of what his supporters have called a transformative era for America’s most populous city. The ceremony took place in the historic City Hall subway station, with his wife, Rama Duwaji, by his side.
Midnight Oath in a Historic Setting
Standing beneath the vaulted ceiling of the century-old station, Mamdani took the oath of office administered by New York State Attorney General Letitia James. “Happy New Year to New Yorkers, both inside this tunnel and above,” he said. “This is truly an honour and a privilege of a lifetime.”
The 34-year-old former state lawmaker, born in Uganda, becomes New York’s first Muslim mayor. His choice of the long-decommissioned City Hall subway stop accessible only through guided tours symbolised his commitment to “the working people who keep our city running every day,” according to his transition team.
New York law dictates that mayoral terms begin on 1 January following elections, and it has become tradition for incoming mayors to hold a private swearing-in shortly after midnight to ensure an unbroken line of leadership.
A Progressive Platform and Political Allies
Mamdani, a democratic socialist, ran on a platform focused on affordability and public welfare. He pledged to freeze rents and introduce free bus travel and childcare, appealing to New Yorkers struggling with the city’s high cost of living. His campaign drew more than two million voters — a record turnout — and secured him 50% of the vote, comfortably ahead of independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Attorney General Letitia James, an early supporter, played a symbolic role at the inauguration. Analysts say her participation signalled Mamdani’s independence from national political figures, including President Donald Trump, whom both have frequently criticised. Grant Reeher, a political science professor at Syracuse University, said the gesture reinforced that “Mamdani is going to be independent of the president.”
Inauguration of a New Era
Mamdani’s formal inauguration, dubbed the “Inauguration of a New Era,” will feature a public ceremony on the steps of City Hall. Senator Bernie Sanders, whom Mamdani calls his political inspiration, will preside over the event, joined by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Around 4,000 guests will attend in person, with tens of thousands expected to watch from public viewing areas along Broadway or via livestream.
The mayor raised $2.6 million for his transition and celebrations from nearly 30,000 contributors more than any New York mayor this century. His supporters include community figures such as Sami Zaman, owner of Sami’s Kabab House in Astoria, where Mamdani filmed a campaign video with Sanders.
After taking office, Mamdani will move from his rent-stabilised apartment in Astoria to Gracie Mansion on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. While some in New York’s financial sector initially expressed concern about his socialist background, many are now exploring ways to cooperate with his administration.
Mamdani follows in the footsteps of David Dinkins, the city’s last mayor with ties to democratic socialism, who served from 1990 to 1993. Supporters believe Mamdani’s leadership could reshape New York’s political landscape, balancing progressive ideals with pragmatic governance.
with inputs from Reuters
