Zohran Mamdani Takes Office as New York Mayor With ‘New Era’ Pledge

Overview

• Mamdani formally took the oath just after midnight in the disused Old City Hall subway station, administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
• He swore on two Qur'ans—one from his grandfather and another once owned by historian Arturo Schomburg—becoming the first New York mayor to do so.
• A larger inauguration on the City Hall steps drew large crowds, with Senator Bernie Sanders presiding and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaking.
• In his public remarks, the 34-year-old pledged to serve all New Yorkers and outlined priorities including rent freezes, universal childcare and free buses.
• Transition officials say the platform’s annual cost is roughly $7 billion and will be supported by higher taxes on millionaires, as observers note likely friction with President Donald Trump over funding and immigration.