Zohran Mamdani sworn in as first Muslim mayor in typical New Yorker style
Zohran Mamdani is officially the mayor of New York City, just weeks after his historic victory, making him the first Muslim leader of the Big Apple.
He took the oath in a historic, decommissioned subway station in Manhattan, calling the position a ‘privilege of a lifetime’.
The private ceremony, administered by New York attorney general Letitia James, took place at the old City Hall station, one of the city’s original subway stops that is known for its stunning arched ceilings.
His wife, Rama Duwaji, stood by his side, with his mother Mira Nair and father Mahmood Mamdani smiling as he was sworn in.
‘I cannot wait to see everyone tomorrow as we begin our term.’ he said.
‘After just having taken my oath to become the mayor of the city of New York, I do so also here in the old city hall subway station – a testament to the importance of public transit to the vitality, the health, the legacy of our city.’
Mamdani was also sworn in using a Quran, being the first New York Mayor to do so while taking an oath. He used his grandfather’s copy.
Mamdani, 34, won the election with more than one million New Yorkers embracing his vision for an affordable and diverse city.
The Democratic socialist triumphed over Andrew Cuomo, the former New York state governor endorsed by Donald Trump and backed by wealthy campaign groups.
Mamdani, to a city governed for decades by much of the same, is change.
He was born in Uganda to an Indian mother and a Gujarati Muslim father who grew up in the East African country.
He and his family moved to the United States when he was a child, and he is a naturalised citizen as of 2018.
Mamdani's policies explained
Mamdani stands out for his energetic campaigning style and eye-catching policy proposals that include freezing rent for many New Yorkers, providing free bus service, universal childcare and city-owned supermarkets.
In one of the most expensive cities in the world – where a three-bedroom flat can easily cost $6,000 a month – his message seems to have struck a chord with many.
His image as a fresh voice for people rapidly grew since he declared his candidacy for mayor in October last year.
Mamdani has also been one of the most vocal politicians against Israel’s war in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
He’s also been outspoken about ICE – when immigration units move through the Big Apple, Mamdani said he would ‘Trump-proof’ the city to protect New Yorkers.
Before becoming the 111th mayor of New York City, Mamdani was a relative newcomer. A former housing counsellor and hip-hop artist, he became an assemblyman for the 36th district, representing the Queens neighbourhood of Astoria, in 2020.
Much of his campaign saw him shake hands with taxi drivers, eat at halal food carts, dance in LGBTQ+ clubs, visit dozens of mosques, wave trans Pride flags and speak in Hindi, Urdu and Spanish, among other languages.
But Republicans have aimed at Mamdani, with Trump suggesting that the self-identified Democratic socialist might be deported.
He was repeatedly targeted for his religious beliefs, facing false accusations that he wanted ‘sharia law’.
Now, he’s the mayor of the most famous city in America.
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