Zohran Mamdani Sworn in as New York City's First Muslim Mayor

Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the mayor of New York City just after midnight on January 1, 2026, becoming the first Muslim to lead the city and the youngest person in generations to hold the office, according to Al Jazeera. The historic ceremony took place in a decommissioned subway station beneath City Hall in Manhattan, NPR News reported.

Mamdani, a Democrat, placed his hand on a Quran as he took the oath of office, which was administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James, Al Jazeera noted. His wife, Rama Duwaji, stood alongside him during the ceremony, according to the Associated Press, via Al Jazeera.

"This is truly the honour and the privilege of a lifetime," Mamdani said in a brief speech after being sworn in, as reported by both Al Jazeera.

Mamdani's rise to the mayoralty was described as "astonishing" by NPR News, noting that just a year prior, he held a relatively minor position as a state lawmaker. His ascent to the pinnacle of power in the largest city in the U.S. marks a significant moment in New York City's history.