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Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as New York City’s First Muslim Mayor at Old City Hall Station

His opening moves emphasize transit leadership as a sweeping affordability agenda faces fiscal and state approval tests.

Overview

  • Mamdani took the oath just after midnight in the decommissioned Old City Hall subway station, administered by Attorney General Letitia James with his hand on a Qur'an as his wife, Rama Duwaji, looked on.
  • In his first act, he named Michael (Mike) Flynn as transportation commissioner, underscoring plans to speed up buses and expand bike infrastructure.
  • A public ceremony at 1 p.m. on the steps of City Hall will feature Sen. Bernie Sanders delivering a ceremonial oath and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introducing the event, followed by a block party along the Canyon of Heroes with large crowds expected.
  • At 34, the former state assemblymember is the city’s first Muslim, first South Asian and first African-born mayor, and one of its youngest in more than a century.
  • He enters office on a progressive affordability platform—rent freezes for many regulated units, free bus service, universal childcare and city-run grocery stores—funded by higher taxes on wealthy residents and corporations that need backing from state lawmakers.