New York City entered 2026 with a history-making transition of power as Zoh
New York City ushered in 2026 with a historic changing of the guard as Zohran Kwame Mamdani was sworn in as mayor in the early hours of January 1. The event marks a significant moment for the city and the nation, as Mamdani is the first Muslim and socialist mayor in New York City’s history.
While the traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations unfolded in Times Square, with the iconic ball drop marking the start of a new year, a separate ceremony took place far below the bustling crowds. Mamdani took the oath of office in a private ceremony held in the long-abandoned City Hall subway station, a hidden architectural gem dating back to 1904.
The choice of location was deliberate, reflecting Mamdani’s penchant for symbolic gestures. The station, with its ornate Guastavino tile ceilings and brass chandeliers, served as a backdrop emphasizing the importance of public transportation to the city’s vitality. The ceremony was attended by a small group, including his parents, filmmaker Mira Nair and Columbia University academic Mahmoud Mamdani.
In a historic first, Mamdani swore his oath on three copies of the Quran. Two were family heirlooms, and a third, loaned from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture at the New York Public Library, will be used in a public inauguration ceremony scheduled for Thursday.
The decision to use a Quran during the swearing-in ceremony holds deep significance for New York City’s growing Muslim community, estimated at nearly one million residents. This gesture comes after decades of scrutiny following the September 11th attacks and signals a new chapter for the city. The move has drawn both praise and condemnation from across the political spectrum, particularly from the American right.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to assume the office of Mayor of New York City,” Mamdani said after the ceremony, with his wife, Rama Duwaji, and New York State Attorney General Letitia James in attendance. James administered the oath of office. Following tradition, Mamdani then paid the city’s municipal clerk a $9 cash fee to sign the city’s leather-bound guest book.
Attorney General James’s presence was also symbolic. She previously led legal challenges against both former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani’s opponent in the mayoral race, and former President Donald Trump, successfully suing Trump in a civil case alleging fraudulent business practices. After Trump’s return to the White House, his Department of Justice pursued legal action against James, a prominent Democrat who quickly endorsed Mamdani’s campaign.
Other key figures on the left are also slated to participate in Mamdani’s public inauguration on Thursday. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of the Bronx is scheduled to deliver remarks from the steps of City Hall at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Senator Bernie Sanders (Vermont) will serve as the master of ceremonies.
Mamdani’s political rise began with Sanders’s 2016 presidential campaign, which also marked the emergence of Donald Trump. Inspired by Sanders’s message, Mamdani transitioned from a local rapper to a political activist within the Democratic Party. His victory—fueled by a blend of populism, charisma, a focus on affordability, and a strong social media presence—has reshaped the city’s political landscape.
Campaign Continues
Mamdani’s campaign hasn’t ended with his November 4th election victory, where two million New Yorkers voted, marking the highest turnout since the late 1960s. He has continued a series of public appearances and outreach events, including a recent 12-hour listening session in a Queens museum where he met with hundreds of residents, dedicating three minutes to each person’s concerns. This ongoing effort underscores his commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents.
Now, Mamdani faces the challenge of implementing his ambitious platform—including free buses, universal childcare, and rent control—while managing a city budget of $150 billion and overseeing a workforce of over 330,000 employees. He also pledged to address rising crime rates. The success of his administration will depend on his ability to deliver on these promises.
Recognizing the importance of public opinion, Mamdani has planned a block party for residents on Thursday. Thousands are invited to join the celebration near City Hall, inspired by the hip-hop culture that originated in the Bronx. This event marks a departure from tradition, as it’s the first time the city is welcoming its new mayor with an outdoor celebration during sub-freezing temperatures.
This inauguration is more than just welcoming the 112th mayor of New York City—a number recently corrected by a municipal archivist who revised the historical record. It signifies the beginning of a new era under Zohran Kwame Mamdani, and the city now awaits to see if he can live up to the expectations he has set.
