Zohran Mamdani to Be Sworn In as NYC’s 111th Mayor: Is It Accurate?

On January 1, Zohran Mamdani is scheduled to be sworn in as the 111th mayor of New York City. However, emerging historical research suggests a significant error in this numbering. Historian Paul Hortenstine claims that Mamdani will actually be the 112th mayor due to an overlooked term served by Matthias Nicolls in 1674.

Miscount of New York City Mayors

The miscount stems from Nicolls’ nonconsecutive term that has gone unrecognized in official records for centuries. Hortenstine’s research indicates that this oversight dates back to 1674, affecting the numbering of every subsequent mayor. For instance, Fiorella La Guardia, traditionally recognized as the 99th mayor, should be regarded as the 100th. Current Mayor Eric Adams, who refers to himself as “110,” could actually be the 111th mayor.

Historical Findings

During his investigation, Hortenstine examined documents from the colonial governor of New York, Edmund Andros, which included references to Nicolls’ second term. This finding was later corroborated by another historian and a historical organization. According to Hortenstine, historical records signify that nonconsecutive mayoral terms should be counted twice, similar to U.S. presidents.

Implications of the Miscount

• Nicolls served a one-year term from 1672 and a second term from 1674 to 1675.
• The oversight impacts the numbering of all New York City mayors since Nicolls.
• Researchers from the New York Historical have found three documents referencing Nicolls’ second term.

Hortenstine’s research isn’t the first to highlight this issue. In 1989, historian Peter R. Christoph pointed out similar discrepancies that have persisted over the years. Christoph stated that inaccuracies in mayoral numbering can lead to the misrepresentation of historical figures’ places in history.

Official Reaction

Officials from the city’s Department of Records acknowledged the discrepancy but indicated that no formal investigation had been initiated. Ken Cobb, the assistant commissioner, stated, “We’re the keepers of the records. We’re not the creators of the records.” The department’s annual publication, known as the Green Book, lists all mayors from 1665 onward but does not include Nicolls’ second term.

The Future of Mayoral History

Whether the current administration will rectify this historical miscount remains uncertain. Randy Mastro, first deputy mayor, indicated that the matter may be left for future historians and the next administration to address. As the city prepares for Mamdani’s inauguration, the accuracy of mayoral records could become a topic of significant discussion.