Zohran Mamdani took the oath as the new mayor of New York City in a historic midnight ceremony at a decommissioned subway station in Manhattan. He is the first Muslim to lead America’s largest city. Mamdani placed his hand on a Quran during the swearing-in, a significant moment in the city’s political history.
The 34-year-old Democrat was sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James, a close political ally, at the old City Hall subway station, known for its ornate arched ceilings and historical importance. Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, held the Quran during the ceremony. Later in the day, Mamdani will be sworn in again in a larger public ceremony at City Hall at 1 p.m. local time.
US Senator Bernie Sanders, one of Mamdani’s political inspirations, will administer the oath during the public ceremony. The event will be followed by a public block party organized by the incoming administration along Broadway, known as the “Canyon of Heroes.” After the ceremonies, Mamdani and his wife will move to the official mayoral residence in Manhattan from their current one-bedroom apartment.
Mamdani, born in Kampala, Uganda in 1991, is the son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar-activist Mahmood Mamdani. He is not only New York City’s first Muslim mayor but also the first of South Asian origin, the first born in Africa, and at 34, the youngest to hold the office in generations. Mamdani’s journey reflects the convergence of multiple diasporas, having moved to New York City at a young age.
