Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City just after midnight on Thursday (January 1, 2026), taking the oath of office at an historic, decommissioned subway station in Manhattan.
Mr. Mamdani, a Democrat, was sworn in as the first Muslim leader of America’s biggest city, placing his hand on a Quran as he took his oath.
Zohran Mamdani: the outsider insider — and now New York’s mayor
“This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime,” Mr. Mamdani said.
The ceremony, administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James, a political ally, took place at the old City Hall station, one of the city’s original subway stops that is known for its stunning arched ceilings.
