In a historic shift for America’s largest metropolis, Zohran Mamdani was officially inaugurated as the first Muslim Mayor of New York City on New Year’s Day. The ceremony, held at City Hall Park in Lower Manhattan, drew an unprecedented crowd of approximately 50,000 people, marking the beginning of what supporters are calling a “new era” for the city.
The 34-year-old self-described Democratic Socialist has made history on multiple fronts: he is the first Muslim, the first person of South Asian descent, and the youngest individual in a century to hold the office of Mayor.
A Swearing-In Led by Progressive Icons
Standing before a sea of supporters, Zohran Mamdani took the oath of office on the Holy Quran, administered by Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. The ceremony was filled with symbolic weight, emphasizing a shift toward progressive governance.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced the new mayor, hailing the moment as a victory for the working class. “We have chosen courage over fear,” she told the cheering crowd. “In Zohran Mamdani, we have a mayor committed to enriching the lives of working people. Zohran will be a mayor for all of us.”
Senator Sanders added that the election serves as an inspiration for the entire United States. “New Yorkers, you have given us hope that we can create a government that works for everyone, not just the wealthy and the powerful,” he said.
A Historic “Block Party” Celebration
For the first time in the city’s history, the inauguration featured a massive “Block Party” titled “Inauguration of a New Era.” The event stretched across seven blocks of Broadway in Lower Manhattan, from Murray Street to Liberty Street.
While 4,000 registered guests were seated within the City Hall perimeter, tens of thousands more occupied the surrounding streets, watching the proceedings on giant LED screens. The atmosphere was electric, featuring a performance by American actor and singer Mandy Patinkin. Notable attendees included former Mayor Bill de Blasio and outgoing Mayor Eric Adams.
“The Key is in the Hands of the People”
In his first official address as Mayor, Zohran Mamdani emphasized the power of the electorate. “Moments like these are rare,” he stated. “Even rarer are the times when the key to change is held by the people themselves. We may not always succeed, but we will never be accused of lacking the courage to try.”
Private Ceremony and Heritage
The public celebration followed a more intimate, midnight swearing-in on December 31 at the abandoned Old City Hall subway station. That ceremony was administered by New York State Attorney General Letitia James.
The Mayor was joined by his parents, the renowned Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani and celebrated filmmaker Mira Nair. Born to parents of Indian heritage, Zohran Mamdani’s rise to the mayoralty is seen as a landmark moment for the South Asian diaspora globally.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani will serve a four-year term, leading a city of over 8 million people into a future focused on social equity and public service.
