Historic Moment in New York: Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as NYC’s First Muslim, First South Asian, and Youngest-Ever Mayor

January 01, 2026

Zohran Kwame Mamdani made history today as he was officially sworn in as the 110th Mayor of New York City. He became the first Muslim, first South Asian, and at age 34 the youngest person ever to lead the nation’s largest city.

Joyous Ceremony at City Hall: A New Era Begins

Under crisp winter sunshine on the steps of City Hall, Mamdani took the oath of office administered by New York State Chief Judge Rowan Wilson. He placed his hand on a copy of the U.S. Constitution rather than a religious text. This was a deliberate nod to his commitment to serve all New Yorkers. His mother, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, held the document steady as his wife, Syrian-American artist Rama Duwaji, and their two young children stood proudly beside him.

Thousands of supporters filled City Hall Park. They waved signs reading “Our Mayor, Our Future” and “Zohran for All.” Cheers erupted when Mamdani concluded his 12-minute inaugural address with the now-iconic line from his campaign: “New York is big enough for everyone and today we prove it.”

From Queens Assemblyman to City Hall

The 34-year-old Democratic Socialist rose from a little-known state assemblyman representing Astoria to upset establishment favorite Andrew Cuomo in the June primary. He then cruised to victory in November with 58 percent of the vote. Born in Kampala, Uganda, to Indian parents and raised in New York City from age seven, Mamdani campaigned on bold progressive promises. These included free citywide childcare, a 30 dollar minimum wage by 2030, 200,000 new units of permanently affordable housing, and fare-free buses across all five boroughs.

In his speech, he paid tribute to the city’s immigrant roots: “I stand here because a taxi driver from Uganda and a teacher from India believed their son could one day lead this city. Today every child, no matter where they were born, can believe the same.”

Star-Studded Support and National Spotlight

The ceremony drew a who’s-who of progressive leaders. Senator Bernie Sanders called Mamdani “the future of the Democratic Party.” Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who endorsed him early, declared, “New York just showed America what bold leadership looks like.” Musical performances by Queens native Nicki Minaj and rising Punjabi-American rapper Shreea Kaul kept the crowd energized.

Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, seated on the platform, offered brief congratulations before leaving for a previously scheduled vacation.

First 100 Days Agenda Unveiled

Mamdani wasted no time outlining immediate priorities. These included an executive order freezing rent for all rent-stabilized tenants, launch of universal free childcare pilot in the Bronx and Staten Island, appointment of a Deputy Mayor for Public Safety focused on community-led violence prevention, and creation of a Municipal Green Bank to fund 50,000 union jobs retrofitting public housing.

He also announced his first official trip as mayor will be to public housing in Red Hook, Brooklyn, next week.

A City and Country Watching Closely

From Times Square revelers still buzzing from New Year’s Eve to national morning shows, Mamdani’s swearing-in dominated headlines. Political analysts say his victory signals a leftward shift in urban America. Mayors in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia are already reaching out for policy collaboration.

As confetti fell and the crowd chanted “Zohran! Zohran!,” the new mayor ended the ceremony with a promise: “We didn’t just win an election. We started a movement. Let’s get to work.”

For the eight million New Yorkers waking up to their youngest, most diverse mayor ever, January 1, 2026 truly felt like the first day of something new.