Zohran Mamdani has taken his oath as the new mayor of New York City, marking a historic moment in the city’s political landscape. At 34 years old, he becomes the youngest mayor in decades and the first Muslim and the first of South Asian descent to hold this position.
Oath Ceremony Highlights
Mamdani was sworn in at a decommissioned subway station in Manhattan just after midnight on Thursday. He placed his hand on a Quran, expressing, “This is truly the honour and the privilege of a lifetime.” New York Attorney General Letitia James officiated the ceremony in the iconic old City Hall station.
A more substantial public ceremony is scheduled at City Hall at 1 PM (18:00 GMT), where US Senator Bernie Sanders will administer the oath. Following this event, a celebratory block party is planned on Broadway, referred to as the “Canyon of Heroes,” a location renowned for its ticker-tape parades.
Mamdani’s Political Background and Vision
As a Democrat, Mamdani gained attention for his focus on affordability, which became a central theme of his campaign. His proposed policies aim to alleviate the high cost of living in New York City, a global economic hub. Key initiatives include:
- Free childcare for families
- No-cost public bus services
- A rent freeze impacting around 1 million households
- A pilot initiative for city-operated grocery stores
Despite these ambitious plans, Mamdani will also tackle the city’s pressing issues, such as garbage management, snow removal, and infrastructure maintenance—areas frequently cited in public discourse.
Political Challenges Ahead
Mamdani’s tenure will not be without its political challenges, particularly concerning relations with former Republican President Donald Trump. During his campaign, Trump made headlines by threatening to withdraw federal funding if Mamdani won. He labeled Mamdani a “100% Communist Lunatic” on social media.
However, the two engaged in a surprising meeting at the White House in November 2025. Despite their contentious history, Trump stated, “I want him to do a great job and will help him do a great job.” In this meeting, Mamdani reiterated his views on Trump, describing him as a fascist.
Mamdani’s Early Life and Political Career
Born in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani is the son of filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani. He immigrated to New York City at the age of seven and became a U.S. citizen in 2018. Before becoming mayor, he served in the New York State Assembly, where his political career began.
Despite starting his campaign with limited recognition, Mamdani’s commitment to reducing living costs resonated with voters. He ultimately triumphed over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in both the primary in June and the general election in November.
As he begins this critical role, Mamdani’s leadership will be closely observed, given the significant expectations placed upon him.
