New York, Jan 1, 2026: Indian-origin Zohran Mamdani took the oath of office as New York City’s new mayor just after midnight on New Year’s Day, becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor.

The ceremony was held in a historic underground subway station near City Hall, where Mamdani placed his hand on the Qur’an while taking the oath. The modest midnight event precedes a larger public inauguration and celebratory block party scheduled later in the day.

Mamdani, a self‑described democratic socialist, pledged to “get to work” immediately, emphasizing his commitment to equity, inclusion, and addressing the city’s pressing challenges. His rise has been described as remarkable, moving from a backbench state legislator to the pinnacle of power in America’s largest city within a year.


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“Thank you so much to everyone for being here. Happy New Year to New Yorkers,” Mamdani said after the ceremony, flashing his trademark smile.

The new mayor’s tenure begins at a time when New York faces issues ranging from housing affordability and public safety to climate resilience. His administration is expected to focus on progressive reforms while navigating the complexities of governing a diverse metropolis.