UPDATE: Zohran Mamdani has officially become New York City’s 112th mayor as of 12:01 a.m. January 1, 2026. The 34-year-old democratic socialist from Queens, who previously served in the Assembly, took the oath of office during a private ceremony held at the historic City Hall subway station, approximately three miles from the bustling Times Square, where millions celebrated the New Year.
State Attorney General Letitia James administered the oath using a historic Qur’an, loaned from the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, which Mamdani held with his left hand. This moment marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first Muslim and the first individual of South Asian descent to lead New York City.
Mamdani succeeds former Mayor Eric Adams, who concluded his tenure just seconds before the New Year at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2025, by initiating the countdown for the Times Square ball drop. The new mayor’s journey begins with a commitment to transformative economic policies aimed at making New York more affordable for its residents.
A formal inauguration ceremony is scheduled for later today at 1 p.m., where Mamdani will take the oath again, this time on the steps of City Hall. The event will feature a celebration block party, with thousands expected to attend. Notably, Senator Bernie Sanders will perform the swearing-in at this public gathering, alongside the inauguration of two other citywide officials, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and new City Comptroller Mark Levine.
The implications of Mamdani’s election are significant, as he pledges to prioritize progressive policies to address the pressing economic challenges facing New Yorkers today. As the city welcomes its new leadership, the excitement among residents is palpable, with many looking forward to the changes promised during his campaign.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and witness the first steps of Mayor Mamdani’s administration in action.
