Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City early Thursday, becoming the first Muslim, first South Asian, and first African-born individual to hold the office. The 34-year-old democratic socialist took the oath at a private midnight ceremony in the disused Old City Hall subway station, placing his hand on his grandfather’s Quran and a historic 18th- or 19th-century manuscript from the New York Public Library.
“This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani remarked, welcoming his wife, Rama Duwaji, and his parents. “I cannot wait to see everyone tomorrow as we begin our term.”
Later Thursday, a public inauguration took place outside City Hall, attended by thousands and featuring remarks from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, who administered the ceremonial oath. Mamdani addressed the crowd for nearly 25 minutes, pledging to “govern expansively and audaciously” and asserting that he would uphold his principles as a democratic socialist. He emphasized that his administration would work to expand affordability, improve public services, and engage all New Yorkers.
Shortly after assuming office, Mamdani rescinded all executive orders signed by former Mayor Eric Adams after his federal corruption indictment last year, with his administration indicating that essential orders would be reinstated as needed.
Mamdani’s inauguration marked both historic milestones and the beginning of one of the nation’s most closely watched mayoralties. He called on all New Yorkers to participate in shaping the city’s future, asserting that the work of governance and reform was only just beginning.
