A New Era for New York City
New York City started the year 2026 with a major change. Just after midnight on January 1, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the new mayor. He is the first Muslim and first South Asian person to lead the city. At age 34, he is also the youngest mayor in over a hundred years. The ceremony took place in a very special spot beneath the city. NYC Mayor
He took his oath in the old City Hall subway station. This station has been closed to the public for 80 years. This private event was the first of two ceremonies for the new leader. It marked the start of a new time for millions of people.
Taking the Oath on the Quran
For the first time ever, a New York mayor used a Quran for the oath. In fact, Mamdani used three unique versions of the holy text. For the private midnight event, he used his grandfather’s Quran. He also used a very old, pocket-sized Quran from the New York Public Library. This specific book once belonged to Arturo Schomburg.
He was a famous Black historian. It dates back to the late 18th or early 19th century. Using these books was a big way to show his faith and identity. It also honored the history of Black and Muslim New Yorkers. Most past mayors have used a Bible for this special moment.
Why He Chose the Subway Station
Many people wondered why Mamdani chose an old subway station for his oath. The station opened in 1904 but closed in 1945. It is known for its beautiful tiled arches and old-world style. Mamdani said the station represents a time when the city built “great things.” He wants his team to focus on the working people of the city.
These are the people who use the subways every day. By going underground, he showed that he cares about the city’s trains and pipes. He believes the subway is the “lifeline” that brings all New Yorkers together. It was a very strong choice for a leader who calls himself a socialist.
A Powerful Midnight Ceremony
The midnight ceremony was small and very private. It was attended by Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, and their close family. New York Attorney General Letitia James gave the official oath. She is a strong friend of Mamdani and a critic of President Trump. The mood in the quiet, dimly lit station was very serious.
Mamdani promised to follow the laws of the city and the state. As the clock struck twelve, he officially became the 112th mayor of New York City. This private moment allowed him to focus on the weight of his new job. It was a calm start to a very busy day.
The Grand Public Inauguration
Later on Thursday afternoon, a much larger event took place at City Hall. Thousands of people gathered outside to watch the public swearing-in. The crowd was filled with young people and workers from all five boroughs. U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders led the public ceremony.
Sanders is a famous leader for left-wing politics in America. Having him there showed the “political shift” that has happened in New York. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also gave a speech to open the event. The city’s most famous stars were all there to support the new mayor.
Celebrating with a Public Block Party
The city did not just have a ceremony; it had a giant party. A huge block party was held along Broadway near City Hall. There was music, dancing, and art from local people. Mamdani’s team wanted every New Yorker to feel welcome at the celebration. Over 40,000 people were expected to attend the fun event.
Even the old mayor, Eric Adams, attended to show a peaceful hand-off of power. The party was a way to bring joy to the city after a long race. It showed that the new mayor wants to stay close to the people.
Ambitious Goals for the New Term
Mayor Mamdani has very big plans for his time in office. During his race, he talked a lot about making the city cheap to live in. He wants to raise the lowest wage to $30 per hour by the year 2030. He also promised to make buses free and to build city-run food stores.
Many New Yorkers are struggling with high rents and food costs. Mamdani believes the government should do more to help those in need. He wants to focus on “free childcare” and better housing for everyone. His goals are very bold and will take a lot of work to finish.
Appointing a New Leadership Team
To reach his goals, Mamdani has started picking his top team. He picked Steven Banks as the city’s chief lawyer. Banks has spent his whole career helping homeless and poor people. He also chose Kamar Samuels to lead the city’s schools. Samuels is known for wanting to make schools more fair for all kids.
These choices show that Mamdani wants people with “social justice” backgrounds. He is building a team that shares his dream for a fairer New York. These leaders will be the ones to help him turn his promises into real laws.
A Message to All Immigrants
As a mayor born in Africa, Mamdani has a special message for immigrants. He was born in Uganda to Indian parents before moving to the U.S. He has vowed to protect the city’s three million immigrants from federal pressure. In a recent video, he told people their rights when dealing with police.
He wants New York to remain a “safe city” where everyone feels okay. This is very important as national politics become more tense. Mamdani believes that the city’s mix of people is its greatest strength. He wants to be a “shield” for those who feel scared. NYC Mayor
A New Era Begins NYC Mayor
In conclusion, Zohran Mamdani’s first day is a landmark event for New York. From the underground subway to the steps of City Hall, it was a day of historic firsts. By taking his oath on the Quran, he has opened a door for many others to follow. He carries the hopes of millions who want a more fair city. NYC Mayor
While his goals are very high, his “people-first” start has given fans much hope. The “Big Apple” is now under the lead of a new, young, and bold voice. As the city moves into 2026, the whole world will be watching to see what happens next. NYC Mayor
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