Zohran Mamdani was formally inaugurated as the Mayor of New York City in a grand public ceremony on Thursday (local time), marking a historic moment for the city. The ceremony, held on the iconic steps of City Hall, drew hundreds of enthusiastic New Yorkers eager to witness the milestone occasion.
Mamdani has now become the 112th Mayor of New York City, and in doing so, he has set multiple historic firsts. He is the first Muslim mayor, the first mayor of South Asian origin, and also the youngest person to lead the city in more than a century.
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders administered the public oath, while Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced him, receiving loud applause from the crowd.
Addressing the public after taking oath, Mamdani said,
“My fellow New Yorkers, today begins a new era. I stand before you moved by the privilege of taking this sacred oath. Humbled by the faith that you have placed in me.”
He also humorously referred to ongoing debates over whether he is the 111th or 112th mayor due to historical record discrepancies, saying he is honored to serve as either.
Mamdani further assured inclusivity, stating:
“While only action can change minds, I promise you this: if you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor.”
He expressed gratitude to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders for their support and also thanked former Mayor Eric Adams, joking,
“I will always be touched that he chose me as the mayoral candidate he would most want to be trapped with in an elevator.”
Family, Faith, And Symbolism
Mamdani’s parents—renowned filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani—were present to celebrate the moment.
Imam Khalid Latif, Executive Director of the Islamic Center of New York City, delivered the invocation prayer, surrounded by faith leaders from across the city, symbolizing New York’s diverse religious fabric.
Private Midnight Oath Before Public Celebration
Before the public ceremony, Mamdani privately took his first oath just after midnight at a closed subway station, accompanied by his wife Rama Duwaji and close family members.
Calling it the “honor of a lifetime,” he emphasized the importance of public transportation, revealing he deliberately chose the venue to highlight its significance to New York City’s identity.
During the ceremony, he took oath on a Quran from the New York Public Library that once belonged to Afro-Latino historian Arturo Schomburg, adding cultural and historical meaning to the moment.
Massive Public Celebration
Following the ceremony, the city prepared for an enormous “Inauguration Block Party” stretching across seven city blocks.
Despite freezing weather, thousands gathered to celebrate, with organizers expecting nearly 40,000 attendees. Former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio also attended the inauguration.
Mamdani, a democratic socialist, was elected on promises to tackle New York’s growing affordability crisis. Alongside him, Mark Levine took oath as city comptroller and Jumaane Williams as public advocate.
His inauguration continues New York’s tradition of unique mayoral swearing-in moments—much like Eric Adams’ late-night Times Square oath during the COVID era.