New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani, the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of the largest city and economic capital of the United States and a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, was officially sworn in on New Year’s Day, the 1st.
Mayor Mamdani took over from former Mayor Eric Adams at 12:01 AM that day and began his four-year term. Mayor Mamdani was sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City on the steps of the now-closed old New York City Hall subway station, presided over by New York State Attorney General Letitia James, just after midnight. Mayor Mamdani placed his hand on the Quran to take the oath of office, marking the first time the Quran has been used in a New York City mayoral inauguration.
Most previous New York City mayors have taken the oath of office with their hand on the Bible. By taking the oath of office at the abandoned station, he is interpreted as demonstrating his will to represent his base of support, the working class and the poor. Immediately after taking the oath, Mayor Mamdani pledged, “I will actively pursue measures such as a rent freeze for tenants, free buses, and free childcare.”
Mayor Mamdani also announced the appointment of Michael Flynn, who has extensive transportation experience, as the city’s transportation commissioner, expressing his plan to make New York City’s streetscapes and public transportation envy of the world.
Following this, the official inauguration ceremony was held in front of New York City Hall at 1 p.m. with 40,000 people gathered. Mayor Mamdani, who took the oath of office once again in front of the crowd, presided over by Senator Bernie Sanders, delivered a message that he will stand with all 8.5 million New Yorkers. Mayor Mamdani emphasized his will to embrace, saying, “Regardless of support, I will be a mayor who protects all New Yorkers. I will protect everyone and not turn away for even a moment.”
Mayor Mamdani also emphasized, “I will conduct my administration as a democratic socialist.”
“From today on, we will govern boldly and boldly,” he said. “To those who claim the era of big government is over, let me make it clear: City government will not hesitate to use its power to improve the lives of New Yorkers.”
The inauguration ceremony held at City Hall was attended by many progressive figures, including Senator Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Also in attendance were former New York City Mayors Eric Adams and Bill de Blasio, as well as New York Governor Kathy Hokule, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Mayor Mamdani’s inauguration that day set several precedents. Born in Uganda 34 years ago, he made history as New York City’s first Muslim mayor. He also immigrated to New York City at the age of seven with his Indian immigrant parents. He became a symbol of the influence of immigrants when he took office in 2018, just eight years after becoming a U.S. citizen.