In a midnight ceremony steeped in symbolism and history, Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist and former New York State Assembly member, was sworn in as the 112th Mayor of New York City.

His inauguration marks several historic firsts: the city’s first Muslim mayor, its first of South Asian descent, its first born in Africa (Kampala, Uganda), and the youngest mayor in over a century.

The oath was administered by New York State Attorney General Letitia James in the decommissioned Old City Hall subway station, a beaux-arts relic beneath City Hall. Mamdani placed his hand on two Qurans—one belonging to his grandfather and another once owned by Black historian Arturo Schomburg, lent by the New York Public Library.

A public celebration followed, with a parade along Broadway’s “Canyon of Heroes” and a block party outside City Hall. Progressive figures including Bernie Sanders (who administered a ceremonial oath) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined the festivities, underscoring Mamdani’s political base.

Mamdani’s meteoric rise began in Queens, where he defeated a five-term incumbent in 2020 to win a State Assembly seat. In June 2025, he shocked the political establishment by defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. He went on to win the November general election with 50.8% of the vote, against Cuomo running as an independent (41.3%) and Republican Curtis Sliwa (7%). The race drew the highest voter turnout for a NYC mayoral election since 1993.

His campaign centered on affordability and equity:

• Free buses across the city
• Rent freezes
• Universal childcare
• A higher minimum wage

As a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Mamdani pledged to govern “expansively and audaciously” for working-class New Yorkers.

His first acts as mayor included revoking executive orders issued after September 2024 by scandal-plagued predecessor Eric Adams, particularly those related to housing. Mamdani takes office amid tense relations with the Trump administration, having met the president shortly after his election.

This moment represents not only a generational shift in New York politics but also a symbolic milestone for representation, progressive governance, and immigrant communities across the city.