New York's First Muslim Mayor

New York’s Muslim mayor Mamdani pledges left-wing success after taking office

Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, comes to power at a time when Trump has pushed a hard-right agenda; it remains to be seen if Mamdani can deliver on his ambitious program, which envisions rent freezes, universal childcare and free public buses.

January 3, 2026

New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani (C) is sworn in as New York Attorney General Letitia James (L) and Rama Duwaji look on at midnight on December 31, 2025, in New York as he immediately begins his term on January 1, 2026. New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamd

Mamdani sworn in as New York's first Muslim mayor

A larger, ceremonial inauguration is scheduled later Thursday with speeches from left-wing allies Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; around 4,000 ticketed guests are expected to attend the event outside City Hall.

January 1, 2026