Democratic Socialist Takes Office Using Centuries-Old Quran at Old City Hall
New York’s 112th Mayor Takes Office at Midnight in Historic Subway Station
At midnight on January 1, 2026, Zohran Mamdani officially became the 112th mayor of New York City, marking a watershed moment for the nation’s largest metropolis. The 34-year-old Democratic socialist took the oath of office in a private ceremony administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James at the historic Old City Hall subway station, an original 1904 stop that now stands decommissioned beneath City Hall Park. The symbolic location carried profound meaning, as Mamdani emphasized the importance of public transit to the city’s vitality and health during his remarks.
Born in Uganda and raised by South Asian parents, Mamdani becomes the first Muslim mayor, first South Asian mayor, and first African-born individual to lead New York City. His election in November 2025 with just over 50 percent of the vote has been characterized by political analysts as one of the biggest upsets in modern American history.
A Moment Rich With Symbolism and Historical Significance
The choice of venue and ceremonial elements underscored Mamdani’s values and vision for governing the city. Rather than following the traditional practice of using a Bible, Mamdani placed his hand on a centuries-old Quran from the collections of the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. The manuscript, believed to have been created in the late 18th or early 19th century during the Ottoman period, carries particular symbolic weight.
According to library curator Hiba Abid, the Quran reflects the importance of accessibility rather than ornate ceremony, having been created for everyday use rather than royal or elite purposes. The New York Public Library noted that the manuscript symbolizes the diversity and reach of the city’s Muslim communities throughout history.
The Quran’s Journey Through American History
The manuscript arrived at the Schomburg Center through the collection of Arturo Schomburg, a Black Puerto Rican historian whose work documented the global contributions of people of African descent. The binding features deep red leather with a simple floral medallion, and scholars estimate its production in a region encompassing modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and Jordan.
Following the ceremony, the Quran will go on public display at the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, making it accessible to the broader public. This decision represents more than ceremonial pageantry; it signals the diverse and deep roots of Muslim communities throughout New York City’s history.
First Deputy Mayor and Administrative Appointments
During his first hours in office, Mamdani announced key cabinet positions, including Dean Fuleihan as First Deputy Mayor and Mike Flynn as Department of Transportation Commissioner. The selection of Flynn to lead transportation emphasized Mamdani’s commitment to expanding and improving the public transit system that he views as essential to affordable living in the city. Mamdani also announced an expansive administrative team including NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels, Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su, and Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Sam Levine.
The Public Inauguration and Campaign Vision
Following the private midnight ceremony, Mamdani participated in a public inauguration ceremony on the steps of City Hall on the afternoon of January 1 before thousands of New Yorkers gathered in Lower Manhattan. Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent and fellow democratic socialist, administered the oath of office during the public ceremony. The presence of Sanders, a Brooklyn native and longtime advocate for progressive causes, carried national significance and connected Mamdani’s mayoral inauguration to the broader movement for economic justice and democratic socialism.
Mamdani’s Inaugural Address: Governing Expansively and Audaciously
In his inaugural address, Mamdani declared he would govern expansively and audaciously, refusing to reset expectations downward despite advice from some political observers to moderate his promises. He reaffirmed his commitment to the platform that propelled him to victory, which includes a rent freeze on rent-stabilized apartments, free bus fares for all riders, and universal child care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.
Mamdani also emphasized that he would serve as mayor for all New Yorkers, not merely those who voted for him. If you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor, he promised, pledging to protect, celebrate with, and remain transparent to all constituents regardless of political agreement.
Addressing Questions About Feasibility and Implementation
Observers note that Mamdani faces significant challenges in implementing his ambitious agenda. Mamdani’s victory with just over 50 percent of the vote represented what political analysts termed the biggest political upset in modern American history. His coalition included first-time voters, young New Yorkers, and South Asian and Muslim communities previously underrepresented in mayoral politics.
The mayor must now navigate complexities of state-level oversight, city council negotiations, and budget constraints. Many of his proposals require state legislative action or federal coordination. For information on New York City government structure and mayoral powers, Ballotpedia’s comprehensive election coverage documents how Mamdani defeated both independent former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
The Historic Nature of This Moment
Mamdani’s inauguration received national attention because it represents a moment when progressive politics moved from protest into governing. The selection of his administration reflects pragmatic choices that some observers saw at odds with his democratic socialist identity. Yet Mamdani has signaled his intention to govern without abandoning core principles while making necessary compromises for effective administration.
The presence of elected officials spanning from Governor Kathy Hochul to former Mayors Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams demonstrated the breadth of political support, even from those with whom Mamdani had contentious relationships during his campaign.
The Week Ahead and Long-Term Implications
As Mamdani enters his first week as mayor, the city faces questions about implementation and the relationship between campaign promises and practical governance. The block party that accompanied the public ceremony, held in the Canyon of Heroes along Broadway, drew tens of thousands of supporters.
The new mayor’s administration will need to demonstrate early progress on affordability while managing day-to-day municipal operations and navigating both state-level relationships and federal administration priorities. For information on NYC government, visit NYC.gov’s official executive office. For policy research on governance, Brookings Institution offers extensive research on implementing progressive agendas in major urban centers. Mamdani’s tenure will test whether a democratic socialist can govern expansively in one of America’s most complex metropolitan areas.
