Zohran Mamdani has become the Mayor of New York City after taking his constitutional oath in a historic setting—a decommissioned subway station in Manhattan. He has secured his place in American political history as the first Muslim leader of America’s largest city, following his victory in the local elections last November.
A private ceremony was held, presided over by New York State Attorney General Letitia James, a political ally of Mamdani. The event took place at the “Old City Hall” subway station, one of the city’s original underground stations.
Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic Socialist, took his oath of office with his hand on a Quran before Attorney General James. He was joined by his wife, Rama Doggi, who is of Syrian descent, as reported by the Associated Press.
In a brief speech, Mamdani stated: “This is truly an honor and the privilege of a lifetime.” In his first remarks after assuming office, he added that the choice of the old subway station serves as “a testament to the importance of public transportation to the vitality, health, and heritage of our city.”
Following the private ceremony, Mamdani’s office described a planned public celebration: a parade along Broadway, specifically the stretch known as the “Canyon of Heroes,” famous for its ticker-tape parades.
Mamdani performed the oath with his hand placed on a centuries-old copy of the Holy Quran, marking the first time a Mayor of New York City has used the Quran for a constitutional swearing-in.
