At just 34, Mamdani has etched his name into the city’s history as its first Muslim mayor, first South Asian mayor, and the youngest individual to hold the post in over a hundred years.
New York [US], January 1, 2025, BNN Web Staff: Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist known for championing affordability in one of America’s costliest cities, was sworn in shortly after midnight on Thursday as the 112th mayor of New York City.
At just 34, Mamdani has etched his name into the city’s history as its first Muslim mayor, first South Asian mayor, and the youngest individual to hold the post in over a hundred years.
Calling the moment “the honour and privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani took the oath during a private ceremony attended by close family members, including his wife, artist Rama Duwaji, and his parents—renowned filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani. The oath was administered by New York State Attorney General Letitia James, whom Mamdani has often cited as a key influence on his political journey.
The ceremony took place at the long-closed City Hall subway station beneath City Hall Park, a landmark site shut to the public since 1945. Opened in 1904, the station is known for its elaborate architectural features, including tiled arches, chandeliers and stained-glass skylights.
Reflecting on the choice of venue, Mamdani said it symbolised the central role of public transport in shaping New York’s past and future. Reinforcing this focus, he announced the appointment of seasoned city planner Michael Flynn as the incoming Commissioner of the Department of Transportation.
A former state assemblyman from Queens, Mamdani rose to prominence after delivering a surprise victory in the Democratic primary last summer. His campaign centred on addressing the city’s rising cost of living, with promises that included universal childcare, a rent freeze for nearly two million rent-stabilised tenants, and making city buses free and faster.
Public transit and street redesign remain core priorities of his administration, alongside plans to expand cycling infrastructure and improve pedestrian safety.
A large public inauguration is scheduled for Thursday afternoon at City Hall Plaza, with thousands expected to attend. Progressive leaders such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders are set to participate, with Sanders slated to administer the public oath. The transition team has also planned a celebratory block party along Broadway, branding it the “Inauguration of a New Era.”
While Mamdani’s agenda has galvanised progressive supporters nationwide, it has also drawn scrutiny. Key proposals, including higher taxes on the wealthy, will require backing from the state legislature and the governor. He takes office as New York’s economy remains resilient, even as high living costs continue to burden working-class families.
Mamdani’s rise has also fuelled a broader debate within the Democratic Party, intensifying discussions on whether the party should move further left and prioritise affordability as a central theme ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
