In the early hours of January 1, 2026, history unfolded beneath the streets of Manhattan as Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist and immigrant from Uganda, became New York City’s 112th mayor. The ceremony, held in the long-shuttered City Hall subway station, was steeped in symbolism and marked a series of unprecedented firsts for the nation’s largest metropolis: Mamdani is the first Muslim, first South Asian, first African-born, and youngest mayor to lead the city in more than a century.
Just before midnight, Mamdani arrived by subway, stepping off the 6 train at the storied station beneath City Hall Park. Accompanied by his wife, artist Rama Duwaji, his parents—filmmaker Mira Nair and Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani—and a small group of close friends and staff, the mayor-elect approached a podium set beneath the station’s tiled, arched ceilings and brass chandeliers. New York State Attorney General Letitia James, whom Mamdani has often described as a political inspiration, administered the oath of office. As the clock struck twelve, Mamdani placed his hand on two Qurans: his grandfather’s treasured copy and a pocket-sized, centuries-old Quran from the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, held by his wife.
“Happy new year to New Yorkers both inside this tunnel and above,” Mamdani declared in brief remarks after the oath. “This is truly the honor and privilege of a lifetime.” According to The New York Times, the ceremony was intentionally intimate, with press limited to a dozen journalists and the mayor’s closest supporters. The more elaborate public celebration was scheduled for later that day at City Hall, where thousands would gather and Senator Bernie Sanders would administer a second, ceremonial oath.
The Qurans chosen for the ceremony carried deep personal and historical resonance. One, a family heirloom, speaks to Mamdani’s own layered heritage as a South Asian New Yorker born in Uganda. The other—a modest, pocket-sized manuscript, estimated to have been produced in Ottoman Syria in the late 18th or early 19th century—once belonged to Arturo Schomburg, a Black Puerto Rican historian and a pivotal figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Schomburg’s collection, now the foundation of the Schomburg Center, was acquired by the New York Public Library in 1926 and has become a vital archive of Black and diasporic history in the city.
Hiba Abid, curator of Middle Eastern and Islamic studies at the library, explained the significance of the manuscript: “It’s a small Quran, but it brings together elements of faith and identity in New York City history,” she said, as reported by AP. The Quran’s simple design—black and red ink, a deep red binding with a plain floral medallion—suggests it was created for everyday use, not for ceremonial display. “The importance of this Quran lies not in luxury, but in accessibility,” Abid added. After the inauguration, the historic Quran will be displayed publicly at the New York Public Library, inviting New Yorkers to explore the city’s rich Islamic heritage.
Mamdani’s campaign was as historic as his swearing-in. Launching his bid in October 2024, he ran on a platform laser-focused on affordability—a pressing issue in one of America’s most expensive cities. His promises included a universal childcare program, a rent freeze for roughly two million rent-stabilized tenants, and making city buses “fast and free.” He also advocated for city-run grocery stores in every borough and expanding the city’s bicycle lane network. These bold proposals energized a diverse coalition of voters, including many first-time South Asian and Muslim participants, and led to the highest voter turnout in a mayoral race since 1969, according to CNN.
Yet, Mamdani’s meteoric rise also drew fierce criticism and, at times, outright hostility. His outspoken embrace of his Muslim faith, left-wing politics, and criticism of Israel’s policies toward Palestinians made him a lightning rod for controversy. Prominent conservatives, such as U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville and New York Representative Elise Stefanik, publicly questioned his loyalties and labeled him with epithets like “jihadist Communist.” The Council on American-Islamic Relations designated Tuberville as an anti-Muslim extremist, citing a pattern of inflammatory remarks. Mamdani, however, refused to be cowed. In a campaign speech, he defiantly stated, “I will not change who I am, how I eat, or the faith that I’m proud to call my own. I will no longer look for myself in the shadows. I will find myself in the light.”
His faith and background were central themes throughout the campaign. Mamdani frequently appeared at mosques across the five boroughs, building relationships with Muslim and immigrant communities. He spoke candidly about the impact of the September 11 attacks on New York and the rise of Islamophobia that followed. In viral social media videos, he highlighted the stories of everyday New Yorkers, reinforcing his message of inclusion and representation. Anthony W Marx, the library’s president and CEO, praised Mamdani’s choice to use Schomburg’s Quran, saying it “symbolises a greater story of inclusion, representation, and civic-mindedness.”
The symbolism extended to the venue itself. The City Hall subway station, opened in 1904 as part of the city’s first subway line, was decommissioned on December 31, 1945—exactly 80 years before Mamdani’s oath. Its architectural grandeur, usually hidden from public view except for rare guided tours, served as a reminder of New York’s enduring spirit of innovation and reinvention. In his remarks, Mamdani called the setting “a testament to the importance of public transit to the vitality, the health and the legacy of our city.” He underscored his commitment to improving transit equity by announcing Michael Flynn, a seasoned city planner, as the new Department of Transportation Commissioner.
Mamdani’s ambitious agenda faces skepticism from some corners, particularly regarding his proposals to tax the wealthy to fund expanded social programs—a move that would require cooperation from the state legislature and governor. Nevertheless, he takes office at a time of relative economic strength, even as the high cost of living continues to squeeze working-class New Yorkers. His victory has sparked debate within the national Democratic Party about the direction of its platform, with some seeing his focus on affordability as a model for energizing a divided base ahead of the midterm elections.
The story of Mamdani’s inauguration is not just one of political triumph, but also of personal and communal affirmation. From the centuries-old Quran to the echoes of subway trains in a forgotten station, every detail spoke to the city’s diversity, resilience, and capacity for renewal. As Mamdani left the platform and ascended into City Hall—ledger signed, filing fee paid, and the weight of history on his shoulders—he stepped into the light, determined to shape a new era for New York.
