Zohran Mamdani New York mayor, was sworn in during the first minutes of 2026, beginning a historic term for the nation’s largest city. The inauguration took place at the Old City Hall subway station, with his wife, Rama Duwaji, by his side, and New York State Attorney General Letitia James administering the oath.
“I am honored to serve New Yorkers, both inside this tunnel and above,” Mamdani said under the vaulted ceiling of the historic station. “This is a privilege of a lifetime.”
Mamdani, a 34-year-old state lawmaker, became the first Muslim mayor of New York City after a campaign that attracted more than two million voters. He won 50 percent of the vote, nearly 10 points ahead of independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and well ahead of Republican Curtis Sliwa.
The newly inaugurated democratic socialist has outlined a progressive agenda for his first day in office and beyond. Among his key priorities are rent freezes, free public transportation, and accessible childcare, reflecting his campaign focus on affordability and social equity. Analysts see his approach as a model for the Democratic Party nationwide, especially in the lead-up to midterm elections.
Mamdani chose the Old City Hall subway station for his private swearing-in, a site rarely open to the public. According to his transition team, the location symbolizes his commitment to the city’s working-class residents who keep New York running daily. The small, midnight ceremony follows New York’s tradition of avoiding ambiguity about mayoral authority at the start of the new year.
His public inauguration ceremony is planned for later in the day at City Hall Plaza, featuring music, speeches, and approximately 4,000 attendees, while tens of thousands more can watch via livestream. Progressive leaders, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are scheduled to participate. Mamdani’s team raised $2.6 million from nearly 30,000 contributors to fund the celebrations, setting a record for inaugural fundraising in the city this century.
During the inauguration, Mamdani highlighted his policy goals while emphasizing inclusivity and forward-looking governance. He expressed a commitment to housing stability, clean transportation, and community investment, signaling continuity with some predecessor policies while introducing a more progressive framework.
Mamdani’s political alliances were reflected in the choice of Letitia James to administer the oath. James, a longtime supporter, previously investigated President Donald Trump’s business practices in New York. Experts say her role signals Mamdani’s independent stance in local and national politics.
After the inauguration, Mamdani will move from his Astoria apartment to Gracie Mansion, the official mayoral residence on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Despite initial concerns from the financial sector, many city bankers and business leaders are exploring ways to collaborate with the new administration.
Historically, New York has had mayors with democratic socialist affiliations, including David Dinkins, who served from 1990 to 1993. Like Dinkins, Mamdani faces the challenge of balancing progressive priorities with maintaining New York as a global economic hub. Observers note that his combination of grassroots support, historic significance, and ambitious policy proposals marks the start of a new era for city leadership.