Zohran Mamdani officially took the oath of office as the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve, marking a historic moment as he became the 112th mayor of New York City. In a private ceremony held at the abandoned Old City Hall subway station, Mamdani was sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James. At just 34 years old, Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialist party, previously represented the 36th Assembly District in the Queens neighborhood of Astoria. He is celebrated as the city's first Muslim mayor and the first of South Asian descent.
In his brief acceptance speech, Mamdani expressed the honor of assuming this significant role, stating, "This is truly the honor and the privilege of a lifetime." He highlighted the importance of the old subway station, calling it a testament to the significance of public transit in maintaining the vitality, health, and legacy of New York City. Following his remarks, he announced the appointment of Mike Flynn as the new commissioner of the Department of Transportation.
Mamdani is set to take the public oath of office on Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m., with the ceremony to be administered by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont at City Hall. The event will be streamed live by CBS News New York. This public swearing-in coincides with a block party celebration dubbed the "Inauguration of a New Era," taking place in Lower Manhattan from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees must RSVP online to participate.
The celebration will unfold in the renowned Canyon of Heroes, a historic stretch along Broadway, famous for its ticker-tape parades honoring athletes, astronauts, politicians, and other New York heroes. Mamdani's transition team has promised a vibrant celebration that will include music, performances, and interfaith elements, attracting media attention from across the nation and around the globe. As photographer Amanda Briggs noted, there is a palpable energy surrounding Mamdani, who has cultivated connections with diverse groups of New Yorkers.
In preparation for his administration, Mamdani has appointed five high-ranking officials in just two days, including Kamar Samuels as the new city schools chancellor. The announcement of Mike Flynn as the new DOT commissioner is particularly significant. With over two decades of experience in both public and private sectors, Flynn is expected to help Mamdani achieve his ambitious goals, such as implementing free bus services, one of the new mayor's hallmark policy proposals.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Mamdani praised Flynn, stating, "It is an honor to have Mike here alongside me as we embark on an administration that will take seriously the responsibility and the opportunity we have to make this streetscape and the public transit of the city we call home the envy of the world." He emphasized the need for someone experienced and imaginative to navigate New York City's complex transportation landscape.
Prior to his appointment, Flynn served as a vice president and sector manager for TYLin City Solutions, where he led teams addressing transportation, development, and infrastructure challenges throughout the New York City region. Flynn also has nearly a decade of experience with the New York City Department of Transportation, holding senior roles such as Director of Capital Planning and Project Initiation. In that capacity, he guided major capital street improvement projects aimed at enhancing traffic safety, bus priority, and public spaces citywide.
In a statement, Flynn expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Department of Transportation, stating, "Transportation is essential to affordability and quality of life; it determines how people get to work, school, and home safely. I look forward to building a DOT that moves faster, puts safety first, and delivers real wins for working New Yorkers."
The appointment of Mike Flynn has garnered positive reactions from transportation experts in New York City. The Regional Plan Association commended Mamdani's administration for selecting Flynn, calling him a respected leader in city transportation policy. Kate Slevin, executive vice president of RPA, stated, "We are excited to help him carry out a vision for better bus service and safer streets." Former city DOT commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan added, "Mike knows the agency, the city, and its streets from the inside out. He will be a strong voice for Mayor Mamdani and for all New Yorkers in making transportation work for them."
As Mayor Zohran Mamdani begins his tenure, the focus on affordable transportation and community engagement promises to shape the future of New York City's public transit and infrastructure initiatives. With the support of experienced leaders like Mike Flynn, the Mamdani administration is poised to make significant strides in enhancing the quality of life for all New Yorkers.