Zohran Mamdani Sworn in as New York City’s 112th Mayor
Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has officially become New York City’s 112th mayor, marking a historic moment as the city’s first Muslim mayor.
In a private ceremony that took place just after midnight at the old City Hall subway station in Manhattan, Mamdani was sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
During the ceremony, Mamdani took his oath on the Quran. NYC Councilmember Shahana Hanif, an ally of Mamdani, emphasized that this act symbolizes “extending solidarity to the Muslim community not just in New York City but also abroad.”
As the clock struck midnight, the 34-year-old Mamdani, a Ugandan immigrant, became not only New York’s first Muslim mayor but also the youngest mayor in over a century, and the first South Asian to hold the position.
“This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani said during the intimate ceremony, surrounded by his parents, wife Rama Duwaji, and a few reporters.
Mamdani noted that the old City Hall subway station symbolizes the crucial role of public transit in the health and legacy of the city.
He also announced Michael Flynn, a seasoned transit official, as the new Commissioner of the Department of Transportation in his administration.
Next to Flynn, Mamdani stated that his administration “will take seriously the responsibility and the opportunity we have to make our streetscape and the public transit of the city the envy of the world.”
Flynn has nearly a decade of experience with the Transportation Department and recently worked with an urban transportation consultancy.
“I know firsthand that the New York City Department of Transportation has some of the most talented and dedicated public servants in the country, ready to innovate and achieve on our ambitious plans,” Flynn remarked.
Mamdani has prioritized improving public transportation, with plans to make city buses fast and free, as well as to expand bike lanes. These enhancements likely make Flynn’s appointment all the more vital.
He also committed to implementing rent freezes for nearly one million rent-stabilized apartments, establishing municipal grocery stores, and providing free universal childcare.
To fund these initiatives, Mamdani proposed raising taxes on wealthy New Yorkers, which has generated concerns about whether high earners or companies might exit the city, potentially diminishing the tax base needed for his programs.
“It’s just not going to work. It never has anywhere. There’s a reason many have fled communism and socialism for the opportunities here in the United States, especially in our capitalist markets,” remarked GOP Representative Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) on Wednesday.
