Zohran Mamdani officially took office as the mayor of New York City shortly after midnight following a private swearing-in ceremony held in the historic Old City Hall subway station. The unusual location, a long-abandoned Beaux-Arts landmark beneath Manhattan, marked the beginning of a full day of inaugural events that included a public ceremony and celebrations outside City Hall.
Mamdani, 34, was sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James in the presence of close family members and invited guests. Among those attending were his wife, Rama Duwaji, his mother Mira Nair, an internationally known filmmaker, and his father Mahmood Mamdani, a professor of African studies at Columbia University.
In brief remarks after taking the oath, Mamdani described the moment as deeply meaningful. He said the role of mayor was both an honor and a responsibility, adding that he looked forward to formally beginning his term alongside New Yorkers later in the day.
He explained that the choice of the Old City Hall subway station was deliberate, calling it a symbol of the city’s public transportation legacy and its importance to everyday life. Mamdani said the site reflected the role transit plays in the city’s health, economy and history, and emphasized his desire to prioritize public infrastructure.
During the ceremony, Mamdani introduced Mike Flynn as the city’s new transportation commissioner. Flynn, a longtime city planner, was welcomed as part of the new administration’s focus on improving transit systems. Mamdani said his goal was to make New York’s public transportation network a global model, while Flynn described the appointment as the most important role of his career.
The outgoing mayor, Eric Adams, was also present at the ceremony. Adams had initially been uncertain about attending but later said he wanted to demonstrate a smooth and respectful transfer of leadership. His presence underscored the peaceful transition of power at City Hall.
In a historic first for New York City, Mamdani was sworn in using a Qur’an, reflecting his Muslim faith. He placed his hand on a Qur’an that belonged to his grandfather, as well as another historically significant copy associated with Black historian Arturo Schomburg, which was provided by the New York Public Library. The moment marked a milestone in the city’s long tradition of religious diversity in public life.
The private ceremony also included members of Mamdani’s inaugural committee, a group representing a wide cross-section of the city. Attendees included artists, writers, community advocates, small business owners and campaign volunteers who had supported Mamdani’s rise to office. His team said the group was chosen to reflect the cultural and social diversity of New York.
Later in the day, Mamdani was scheduled to participate in a public swearing-in ceremony outside City Hall. He was to be introduced by Bronx Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a longtime political ally, and sworn in publicly by Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. The public event was followed by a block party celebrating the start of the new administration.
Mamdani’s office said the midnight ceremony reflected his commitment to working-class New Yorkers and those who keep the city functioning daily. In a statement, he said the Old City Hall station, which opened in 1904 as one of the city’s original subway stops, represented a time when New York invested boldly in public projects that transformed everyday life. He added that such ambition should continue into the future.
The inauguration capped a rapid and notable rise in city politics. Once relatively unknown beyond local circles, Mamdani gained momentum earlier this year during the Democratic primary, where he defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo. The incumbent mayor at the time, Eric Adams, did not seek the Democratic nomination.
Early polling showed Mamdani trailing significantly, but his campaign gained traction through an active online presence and extensive grassroots organizing. His team said more than 10,000 volunteers helped reach voters across the city, focusing on issues such as housing costs, transportation affordability and access to essential services.
In November’s general election, Mamdani won just over half of the vote, defeating Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and independent challenger Andrew Cuomo. In his victory speech, he pledged to govern on behalf of residents who often feel excluded from political decision-making, saying the city’s future should be shaped by the people who live and work there.
As Mamdani begins his term, attention is now turning to how his administration will translate campaign promises into policy. His inauguration, marked by symbolism and inclusivity, set the tone for a mayoralty focused on public services, affordability and civic participation.