This January 1, 2026, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City, becoming a historical figure for multiple reasons: he is the first muslim mayorthe first mayor of South Asian descent and the youngest mayor to hold the office in more than a century.
A ceremony full of symbolism
The inauguration took place shortly after midnight in a setting full of meaning: the former Old City Hall subway stationan architectural gem closed since 1945 that was one of the 28 original stations of the New York subway system opened in 1904.
The Attorney General of New York, Letitia Jamestook the oath while Mamdani placed his hand on the Koran, marking the first time in history that a New York mayor used the sacred text of Islam to be inaugurated.
“It is the greatest honor and privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani declared after taking office.
The 34-year-old Democrat born in Kampala, Ugandason of the renowned Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and a Ugandan professor, used two copies of the Koran during the ceremony: one from the New York Public Library and another that belonged to his grandfather.
A democratic socialist with ambitious promises
Mamdani’s electoral platform focused on tackling the affordability crisis in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Among his main campaign promises are:
- Free universal child care for all New Yorkers.
- Rent freeze for nearly two million rent-regulated tenants.
- Permanently free city busesa measure that is estimated to cost $800 million annually.
- Construction of 200 thousand new affordable housing units.
- Minimum wage of $30 per hour by 2030.
- City-operated supermarkets —one in each district—to reduce food prices.
Mamdani proposes financing these initiatives through tax increases on corporations and individuals earning more than $1 million a year, although this would require approval from the state Legislature and the governor.
The road to the mayor’s office
Before entering politics, Mamdani worked as a foreclosure prevention counselor, helping low-income homeowners in Queens with eviction notices. This experience motivated him to run to address the housing and affordability crisis.
In 2019, was elected to represent the 36th district of the New York State Assemblycovering Astoria and Long Island City in Queens, up for re-election in 2022 and 2024. As an assemblyman, he helped launch a successful fare-free bus pilot program.
On October 23, 2024, he announced his candidacy for mayor, and his affordability-focused campaign surprised the political establishment when he won the Democratic primary in the summer of 2025. He was endorsed by progressive figures such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanderswho led the public investiture ceremony scheduled for the afternoon of January 1.
Reactivate the Democrats
Mamdani’s ambitious agenda faces several obstacles. The rent freeze depends on the New York Rent Regulation Board, whose members are appointed by the mayor, but with staggered terms.
Officials appointed by outgoing Mayor Eric Adams will continue through 2026, which could delay the implementation of this measure.
Mamdani’s arrival to the mayor’s office coincides with a time when the Democratic Party at the national level is seeking to reactivate its base and debate whether it should move further to the left, ahead of the next midterm elections in the fall of 2026.
“In this moment of political darkness, New York will be the light,” said the new mayor. “Here we believe in standing up for those we love, whether they are migrants, members of the trans community, Black women, a single mother still waiting for food prices to drop, or anyone else who finds themselves between a rock and a hard place.”
With a street celebration dubbed “Inauguration of a new era” in front of City Hall, New York begins 2026 with expectations of transformation under the leadership of the youngest mayor of the century.
