BREAKING: Zohran Mamdani has officially become the 112th mayor of New York City, taking the oath of office at 12:01 AM on January 1, 2026. The 34-year-old democratic socialist from Queens was sworn in during a private ceremony held at the historic City Hall subway station.
Mamdani, who previously served as an Assembly member, won the mayoral election in November on a platform aiming to implement transformative economic programs to enhance affordability in New York City. His ascension marks a significant milestone, as he is the first Muslim and the first individual of South Asian descent to lead the city.
The oath was administered by State Attorney General Letitia James, with Mamdani placing his left hand on a historic Qur’an held by his wife, Rama Duwaji, borrowed from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. This momentous occasion occurred just before the celebratory New Year’s festivities in Times Square, where millions welcomed 2026.
Mamdani succeeds former Mayor Eric Adams, whose term concluded with a ceremonial button press that initiated the New Year’s ball drop at 11:59 PM on December 31. The new mayor will be formally inaugurated at a public ceremony today at 1 PM outside City Hall, featuring a block party expected to draw thousands of attendees. Notable figures such as Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders will also participate, administering the oath at today’s event alongside other citywide elected officials, including Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and new City Comptroller Mark Levine.
This inauguration not only represents a generational shift in New York City’s leadership but also highlights the increasing diversity of its political landscape. As Mamdani prepares to outline his policies aimed at making the city more accessible and affordable, residents eagerly anticipate the changes his administration will bring.
Stay tuned for live updates as today’s formal inauguration unfolds, marking a historic moment in NYC’s journey.
