Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York's first Muslim mayor
Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the mayor of New York City shortly after midnight on Thursday, making history as the first Muslim to lead the largest city in the United States. The Democrat took the oath of office with his hand placed on the Quran during a symbolic ceremony held at a decommissioned subway station in Manhattan.
The swearing-in took place at the former City Hall subway station, one of New York’s earliest transit hubs, known for its ornate arches and historic design. The unconventional venue was chosen to underscore the new mayor’s emphasis on public infrastructure and urban mobility.
Calling the moment “the honour and privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani said the location reflected the central role of public transport in shaping the city’s economy, culture and everyday life. He pledged to prioritise affordable, accessible and efficient transit as part of a broader push to address rising living costs.
During the ceremony, Mamdani announced his first major appointment, naming Mike Flynn as the new commissioner of the Department of Transportation. The move signalled an early focus on transport reform, street safety and sustainability.
Mamdani is also New York’s first mayor of South Asian heritage and the first to be born in Africa, adding to the historic nature of his election. His campaign centred on tackling housing affordability, controlling rents, improving public services and narrowing inequality in a city grappling with high costs and social pressures.
A second, larger swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for later in the day at City Hall, where US Senator Bernie Sanders will administer the oath. The event will be followed by a public celebration along Broadway’s “Canyon of Heroes,” marking the start of Mamdani’s term and a new chapter in the city’s political history.
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