At 34 years old, he also becomes one of the youngest mayors in the city’s history, symbolizing a new generation of leadership and the diversity that defines New York.

The inauguration began just after midnight with a symbolic private oath at the old City Hall subway station, where Mamdani placed his hand on a Qur’an, honoring both his faith and the city’s multicultural heritage. Thousands of New Yorkers gathered later at the public ceremony to celebrate this historic milestone.

In his inaugural speech, Mamdani combined personal reflection with a bold vision for the city. He thanked his parents, saying, “Thank you to my parents, Mama and Baba, for raising me, for teaching me how to be in this world, and for having brought me to this city.”

He also acknowledged his extended family, “from Kampala to Delhi,” for their support throughout his journey. Most tenderly, he thanked his wife, Rama, calling her his “best friend” and expressing gratitude for “always showing me the beauty in everyday things.”

Mamdani pledged to govern audaciously and boldly, focusing on housing affordability, public services, equity, and inclusion. He emphasized that his administration would work for all New Yorkers, striving to make the city fairer, more accessible, and more responsive to the needs of every resident, not just the privileged few.

The inauguration highlighted the city’s vibrant diversity, with supporters from all walks of life coming together to witness and celebrate the historic event. Mamdani’s rise to the mayoralty reflects his personal journey: born in Kampala, Uganda, to a family that valued education and civic engagement, he moved to New York as a child, grew up in public schools, and served in the New York State Assembly before running a successful mayoral campaign.

As he begins his term, Mamdani faces significant challenges, including housing pressures, public transit needs, and social equity, but his inaugural message emphasized hope, inclusion, and opportunity, inspiring millions across New York City and beyond.