NEW YORK January 1, 2026 – Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old democratic socialist and former state assemblyman, was officially sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City just after midnight on New Year’s Day, marking a historic moment as the first South Asian and Muslim mayor of the nation’s largest city. The private ceremony took place in the decommissioned Old City Hall subway station, a symbolic choice underscoring Mamdani’s commitment to public transit and the city’s infrastructure.
Mamdani, who campaigned on addressing the city’s affordability crisis, took the oath using two family Qurans and a historic edition symbolizing New York City’s diverse history. The event, broadcast on C-SPAN, featured Mamdani addressing a small gathering in the ornate, abandoned station, which opened in 1904 and is now a landmark.
In his remarks following the oath, Mamdani emphasized the role of public transportation in the city’s vitality. “Happy New Year to New Yorkers, both inside this tunnel and above,” he said. “I cannot wait to see everyone tomorrow as we begin our term. This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime.”
He continued, “And after just having taken my oath to become the mayor of the city of New York, I do so also here in the old city hall subway station, testament to the importance of public transit to the vitality, health and legacy of our city. I can think of no better moment to announce our new department of transportation commissioner than this.”
Mamdani then invited Mike Flynn to join him on the platform, praising Flynn’s experience and vision for transforming the city’s streets and transit system. “It is an honor to have Mike alongside me as we embark on an administration that will take seriously the responsibility and the opportunity we have to make this streetscape and the public transit of the city we call home, the envy of the world,” Mamdani stated. “It will require someone whose experience, who is fluent in the landscape and who is ambitious and imaginative towards the landscape as it could be. I can think of no better person and I’m so proud to have him.”
The choice of venue has drawn praise for its nod to New York’s transit heritage, with supporters highlighting it as a down-to-earth gesture connecting with everyday citizens. Critics, however, have questioned the optics of starting a mayoral term in an underground, disused space.
Mamdani’s inauguration precedes a public ceremony and celebrations later today, including a block party. His victory in the 2025 election came amid widespread calls for progressive reforms in housing, policing, and climate policy. As mayor, he faces challenges including budget constraints, public safety concerns, and ongoing recovery from economic pressures.
Reactions on social media were mixed, with some users celebrating the progressive shift while others expressed skepticism. One post noted, “The location chosen for this old City Hall subway station is absolutely brilliant: it’s both down-to-earth and historically significant.” Another quipped, “Old subway, new era. Let’s move.”
City officials and residents alike are watching closely as Mamdani begins his term, with high expectations for delivering on promises to make New York more equitable and sustainable.
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