In a ceremony defined by subterranean grandeur and progressive symbolism, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the 112th Mayor of New York City just after midnight on New Year’s Day, 2026. Eschewing the traditional marble steps of City Hall, Mamdani chose the decommissioned Old City Hall subway station for his private swearing-in, a move that underscored his administration’s “transit-first” platform.
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The choice of the 1904 “ghost station” was deeply intentional. Known for its vaulted Guastavino arches and brass chandeliers, the station has been closed to the public for eight decades.
By taking the oath underground, Mamdani aimed to highlight:
- Infrastructure as a Priority: He described the station as a monument to New York’s ability to “build bold, public-facing marvels for the working class.”
- A Shift in Leadership: The ceremony served as a backdrop for his first major appointment, naming Mike Flynn as the city’s new Department of Transportation Commissioner.
Breaking Barriers
The ceremony was not just a change in policy, but a cultural milestone for the city:
- The Oath: New York State Attorney General Letitia James administered the oath of office.
- Historic Firsts: Mamdani becomes the first Muslim mayor of New York City.
- The Texts: In a nod to his faith and his values, Mamdani took the oath with his hand placed on two books: the Quran and a copy of the City Charter.
