As the clock struck midnight in New York City, it ushered in the start of a new year and a new chapter in the city’s leadership. Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old socialist, was officially sworn in as the mayor during an unprecedented midnight ceremony held in a historic subway station. This unique event marked the beginning of his term following a decisive victory in November’s mayoral election.
“Our campaign was built around listening to the people of New York, and we will govern in the same way,” Mr. Mamdani wrote on social media platform X just hours before the ceremony. “Tomorrow, we get to work.”
The private, underground oath was the first of two ceremonies planned to celebrate Mr. Mamdani’s swearing-in, with a public block party outside City Hall expected to attract thousands later in the day.
Subway Swearing-In
In New York, mayoral terms traditionally begin on January 1 following elections. To avoid any ambiguity about who governs America’s most populous city, it has become customary to hold a small, symbolic midnight swearing-in. Mr. Mamdani chose the Old City Hall subway stop as the site for his oath. Decommissioned in 1945, the station is accessible only a few times a year through guided tours and is renowned for its stunning architecture featuring tiled arches.
According to Mr. Mamdani’s office, the choice of location reflects his “commitment to the working people who keep our city running every day.” The station symbolizes an era when New York invested in infrastructure to improve lives, an ambition Mr. Mamdani aims to carry forward during his administration.
Mr. Mamdani is the city’s first Muslim mayor. During the midnight ceremony, he placed his hands on copies of the Koran as he took the oath of office, marking the first time a New York mayor has used Islam’s holy text for this purpose. The Korans will also be used in the second swearing-in ceremony.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, a political ally and notable critic of former President Donald Trump, administered the oath of office. Grant Reeher, a Syracuse University political science professor, noted that Ms. James’s role in the swearing-in sent a message to core supporters that Mr. Mamdani intends to maintain independence from federal influence.
Block Party to Attract Thousands
With the midnight swearing-in completed, attention now turns to the more public ceremony. On Thursday afternoon, local time, Mr. Mamdani will be sworn in again, this time on the steps of City Hall. Performing the swearing-in will be Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders, whom Mr. Mamdani considers one of his political heroes.
The event will feature opening remarks from US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, another political ally and fellow New Yorker. The public swearing-in will be accompanied by a block party along a stretch of Broadway leading up to City Hall. Thousands of people are expected to attend, with performances, music, and interfaith elements included.
‘New Era’ Promised
Mr. Mamdani’s team has labeled his swearing-in the “inauguration of a new era.” He has promised initiatives such as free buses and childcare, city-owned supermarkets, and a four-year rent freeze on New York’s 1 million rent-stabilized apartments.
Mr. Mamdani inspired a record-breaking turnout of more than 2 million voters, capturing 50 percent of the vote, nearly 10 points ahead of independent Andrew Cuomo and well ahead of Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Weeks after his election victory, Mr. Mamdani received unexpected praise from former President Trump during a meeting at the White House. Although Trump initially threatened to cut funding to New York if Mamdani was elected, he later expressed willingness to cooperate with the new mayor to address the city’s affordability issues.
“I think you’re going to have, hopefully, a really great mayor,” Mr. Trump said. “He has views that are a little out there, but who knows? We’re going to see what works, and he’s going to change also. We all change.”
As Mr. Mamdani embarks on his tenure as mayor, New Yorkers and political observers alike will be watching closely to see how his administration implements its ambitious agenda and navigates the complexities of governing a city as diverse and dynamic as New York.
