New York City — January 2, 2026
📰 Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as New York’s New Mayor in Historic Underground Ceremony
Democratic leader Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the new Mayor of New York City on Thursday, marking a historic milestone as the first Muslim mayor of the United States’ largest city. The oath-taking ceremony took place at a long-abandoned subway station beneath Manhattan, making it one of the most unconventional mayoral inaugurations in the city’s history.
Mamdani placed his hand on a nearly 200-year-old Quran while taking the oath of office, a moment that has since drawn national and international attention.
📖 Why the Quran Used for the Oath Is Significant
The Quran used during the ceremony dates back to the late 18th or early 19th century. Mamdani used two Qurans for the oath—one of which belonged to his grandfather, giving the moment deep personal and historical meaning. The second was a pocket-sized Quran, symbolizing accessibility and continuity of faith.
This marked the first time a New York mayor has taken the oath of office on the Quran. Historically, most mayors have chosen the Bible, although city law does not mandate the use of any specific religious text.
🌆 A First on Multiple Fronts
Zohran Mamdani is not only New York City’s first Muslim mayor, but also its first South Asian and first mayor of African descent. His ascent reflects the city’s evolving demographic and political landscape.
The ceremony’s underground location was symbolic. Speaking in his first address as mayor, Mamdani said the closed subway station represents New York’s resilience, heritage, and the critical role of public transportation in the city’s vitality and economic health.
🗳️ Campaign Focus and Political Agenda
During his election campaign, Mamdani centered his message on everyday civic issues, including housing affordability, public transportation, healthcare access, and economic equity. He was also open about his Islamic faith, which helped build strong support among South Asian and Muslim voters, while maintaining a broader progressive appeal.
Political analysts describe the mayoralty as one of the most demanding executive roles in American politics, and Mamdani now begins his term amid high expectations.
