Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist and immigrant, will be sworn in as New York City's first Muslim mayor on January 1, 2025, in dual ceremonies highlighting his progressive vision. The midnight oath by Attorney General Letitia James in an abandoned subway station will use historic Qurans, followed by Senator Bernie Sanders administering the oath at City Hall steps. While promising a 'new era,' Mamdani's team blends establishment veterans with radical appointees.
Zohran Mamdani's inauguration marks a milestone as the 34-year-old becomes New York City's first Muslim mayor, breaking tradition by placing his hand on three Qurans during the ceremonies: his grandfather's, one owned by black history activist Arturo Schomburg, and another family heirloom. The first event occurs at midnight on January 1 in the decommissioned City Hall subway station, administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James, whom Mamdani views as a 'physical monument to a city that dared to be both beautiful and build great things.' Later that afternoon, on the City Hall steps, Senator Bernie Sanders will deliver the oath, introduced by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, in a block party celebration themed 'Bread and Roses' to honor collective effort and future challenges.
Mamdani, a former Queens Assembly member, rode a campaign emphasizing dignity for working-class New Yorkers to victory, crediting Sanders for shaping his democratic socialist identity. 'I would not be here, were it not for Bernie Sanders,' Mamdani said in an interview. 'He gave me the language with which to describe my own politics a decade ago.' Sanders, in turn, praised the mayoralty: 'People want real change. [It] will inspire people across the country to fight for that change.' During the campaign, Mamdani addressed Islamophobia, recalling, 'Growing up in the shadow of 9/11, I have known what it means to live with an undercurrent of suspicion in this city,' and accusing opponents Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa of 'racist' attacks.
Despite promises of a 'new era,' Mamdani's administration includes Democratic machine veterans like Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan, who served under Bill de Blasio when the budget grew from $73.9 billion to $85 billion, and budget manager Sherif Soliman, a operative across Bloomberg, de Blasio, and Adams eras. Progressive picks include Julie Su as Deputy Mayor of Economic Justice, former Biden Labor Secretary; Sam Levine, ex-deputy to FTC Commissioner Lina Khan, as Consumer and Worker Protection head; and Lillian Bonsignore as the first openly gay FDNY chief without firefighting experience. Retentions like NYPD's Jessica Tisch and Sanitation's Javier Lojan signal continuity. Campaign architect Elle Bisgaard-Church, behind ideas like a billion-dollar Department of Community Safety replacing police with mental health professionals, noted post-election outreach to Democratic leaders for advice.
Mamdani envisions his tenure as a 'showcase of light' amid national political darkness, focusing on affordability and dignity. The New York Times hailed his win as a 'breakthrough for Muslim Americans,' with Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed adding, 'There is a constant effort to try and draw a small barrier around who can be American. That is what makes this moment so special.'
