Zohran Kwame Mamdani was sworn in Thursday morning as the 112th Mayor of New York City, marking a historic milestone for the nation's largest city. At 34, Mamdani becomes the youngest mayor in more than a century, as well as the first Muslim, first South Asian, and first African-born person to hold the office.
The swearing-in ceremony took place shortly after midnight in a private setting, where Mamdani took the oath of office surrounded by family members. He placed his hand on the Quran, reflecting both his faith and the city's diversity. A larger public inauguration and celebration are expected later in the day at City Hall, drawing elected officials, supporters, and residents from across the five boroughs.
"This is the honor and privilege of a lifetime," Mamdani said following the ceremony, signaling the beginning of an administration focused on affordability and equity.
Mamdani's ascent to City Hall follows a breakthrough political year in which he defeated establishment figures in both the Democratic primary and the general election. A former New York State Assembly member representing Queens, he ran a grassroots campaign centered on addressing the city's high cost of living.
His policy agenda includes proposals to expand tenant protections, freeze rents for stabilized apartments, introduce fare-free buses, invest in universal childcare, and expand public services aimed at working-class New Yorkers. He has described his governing philosophy as rooted in democratic socialism and economic justice.
Supporters say Mamdani's victory represents a generational shift in city politics, while critics have questioned the feasibility of some of his proposals amid budget constraints. As mayor, he takes office at a moment of both recovery and challenge, with housing affordability, public safety, and infrastructure among the most pressing issues facing the city.
Mamdani succeeds outgoing Mayor Eric Adams and begins his term under intense national and international attention. His inauguration on New Year's morning symbolizes a new chapter for New York City — one defined by bold ambitions and historic firsts.
