New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has named Pakistani-American attorney Ali Najmi as the new chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary, placing a longtime confidant at the center of the city’s judicial selection process. In his new role, Najmi will oversee the committee responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and recommending candidates for judgeships in New York City’s Family and Criminal Courts, along with interim appointments to the Civil Court. The committee plays a critical role in shaping the city’s judiciary by vetting candidates before they are formally appointed. Announcing the appointment, Mayor Mamdani emphasized his administration’s commitment to reforming the judicial selection process. He said the goal is to bring greater transparency, fairness, and public trust to how judges are chosen, while ensuring the judiciary reflects the diversity of the city it serves and applies the rule of law equally. Mamdani praised Najmi’s decades-long legal career, describing him as uniquely qualified to lead the effort. He credited Najmi’s courtroom experience, integrity, and persistence as key strengths that will guide the committee’s work. The appointment also highlights the deep personal and professional bond between the two men. Both residents of Queens, Mamdani and Najmi first crossed paths in 2015, when Mamdani volunteered on Najmi’s City Council campaign in eastern Queens. Though the campaign was unsuccessful, it marked the beginning of a close relationship that has endured for years. Since then, Najmi has served as Mamdani’s legal advisor, election attorney, and mentor, supporting him through both his State Assembly run and his successful mayoral campaign. The pair have often spoken publicly about their close relationship, frequently referring to each other as brothers. Najmi brings extensive experience in election and ballot-access law. Over the past 15 years, he has represented a wide range of insurgent and anti-establishment Democratic candidates, carving out a reputation as a leading legal strategist in progressive political circles. As recently as June, he represented at least 18 candidates during the Democratic primary season. With Najmi at the helm of the Advisory Committee on the Judiciary, Mamdani’s administration appears poised to leave a distinct imprint on New York City’s courts—one shaped by reform, inclusion, and a renewed focus on judicial accountability.
Zohran Mamdani Makes History as New York City’s First Muslim Mayor, Takes Oath on the Quran
Zohran Mamdani has officially assumed office as the mayor of New York City, marking a historic moment as the city’s first Muslim mayor and the youngest to lead the metropolis in generations. The 34-year-old Democrat was sworn in just after midnight on Thursday at a rare and symbolic location — the long-decommissioned City Hall subway station in Manhattan. During the ceremony, Mamdani placed his hand on the Quran while taking the oath, underscoring the city’s deep-rooted diversity and multicultural character. Calling the moment “the honour and privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani said the responsibility of leading the United States’ largest city was both humbling and deeply personal. The oath was administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James, a close political ally, inside the historic station known for its ornate arches and architectural beauty. Zohran Mamdani becomes the mayor of New York City after taking the oath of office at an historic, decommissioned subway station in Manhattan. Mamdani was sworn in as the first Muslim leader of America’s biggest city, placing his hand on a Quran as he took his oath. pic.twitter.com/D6qyebCa6L — The Associated Press (@AP) January 1, 2026 Later in the day, Mamdani is scheduled to be sworn in again at a public ceremony at City Hall. The oath will be administered by US Senator Bernie Sanders, a longtime inspiration for the new mayor. The event will be followed by a public celebration on Broadway’s famed “Canyon of Heroes,” a site traditionally reserved for iconic ticker-tape parades. Beyond becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor, Mamdani is also the first mayor of South Asian descent, the first born in Africa, and one of the most closely watched progressive politicians in the country. Born in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani moved to New York City at the age of seven. Growing up in a post-9/11 America, he has spoken openly about the challenges faced by Muslim communities during that period. He became a US citizen in 2018. Mamdani rose to prominence on a campaign centred on affordability in one of the world’s most expensive cities. His platform includes proposals for free child care, fare-free buses, a rent freeze affecting nearly one million households, and a pilot programme for city-run grocery stores. As he takes office, Mamdani inherits one of the most demanding roles in American politics — balancing bold reform promises with the daily realities of governing a city of more than eight million people, from public transport and housing to sanitation, infrastructure, and public safety.
New Year, New Mayor: Mamdani’s Unconventional Start Explained
A Midnight Start for a New Mayor As New York City welcomes the new year, it will also welcome a new mayor in a highly unusual way. Zohran Mamdani, the city’s newly elected mayor, will take his official oath just after midnight on January 1. Instead of City Hall, the ceremony will happen in a long-abandoned subway station hidden beneath Lower Manhattan. The location is the Old City Hall subway station, a beautifully designed stop that opened in 1904 and closed in 1945. Although it has been sealed off for decades, the station remains one of the most striking spaces in the transit system. Mamdani’s team says the site reflects his focus on public infrastructure and working-class New Yorkers. Why the Subway Station Matters According to aides, Mamdani wanted his first official act to connect the city’s past with its future. For that reason, he chose a place built for everyday people, not political elites. The private ceremony will include close family and a few officials. New York Attorney General Letitia James will administer the oath. While the setting is symbolic, the timing also matters. By taking office at midnight, Mamdani officially begins his term the moment the new year starts. Supporters see this as a signal that his administration plans to move quickly on key issues like housing costs, transit funding, and city services. A Public Celebration Above Ground Later on New Year’s Day, the mayor will appear in public. A larger ceremonial event will take place on the steps of City Hall. Progressive leaders, including Senator Bernie Sanders, are expected to participate. The event will also feature music and community gatherings nearby. This two-part inauguration blends tradition with change. First comes the quiet, symbolic moment underground. Then comes a public celebration meant to include as many New Yorkers as possible. A Historic Political Shift Mamdani’s election marked a major shift in city politics. At 34, he is the youngest mayor in decades and the first Muslim to hold the office. He won by campaigning on affordability, fairness, and stronger public services. By starting his term beneath the streets of New York, Mamdani is making a clear point. His message is simple: leadership should begin where the city truly lives and works.
