Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as NYC’s First Muslim and South Asian Mayor in Historic Ceremony

Zohran Mamdani made history on January 2, 2026, as he was publicly sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City, becoming the first Muslim and South Asian leader of the largest city in the United States. The ceremony, held at City Hall, was attended by supporters, city officials, and family members. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, took the oath of office on the Quran, administered by US Senator Bernie Sanders, who backed his progressive campaign. In his inaugural speech, Mamdani emphasized inclusivity, pledging to govern as a democratic socialist and to prioritize universal childcare, rent freezes, and affordable housing. He also highlighted the city’s diversity, vowing to represent all New Yorkers, regardless of their background. Mamdani, 34, is the youngest mayor in generations and the first African-born mayor, hailing from Kampala, Uganda. His administration aims to ensure that no New Yorker is priced out of basic necessities, rejecting governance that favors the wealthy elite.