Full Breakdown
Historical Revision Raises Questions About NYC's Mayoral Count
12/2/2025, 4:14:39 PM
The Core Narrative: A Historical Oversight in NYC's Mayoral Count
On January 1, 2025, Zohran Mamdani is set to be sworn in as New York City’s 111th mayor. However, research by historian Paul Hortenstine suggests that this count may be incorrect, indicating that Mamdani should actually be recognized as the 112th mayor. This discrepancy stems from the omission of Mayor Matthias Nicolls' second, nonconsecutive term from the official historical record, a mistake that dates back to 1674.
Historical Context and Discovery
Hortenstine's findings reveal that the historical oversight has a cascading effect on the numbering of all subsequent mayors. Nicolls’ first term in 1672 is documented, but his second term is absent from the official directory, leading to a miscount for every mayor thereafter. For instance, Fiorella La Guardia is not the 99th mayor but the 100th, and current Mayor Eric Adams, who often refers to himself as the 110th, is actually the 111th. Hortenstine discovered this error while researching the connections between early New York City mayors and slavery, finding references to Nicolls' second term in archives, including those of the New York Historical Society.
Official Statements & Responses
Marybeth Ihle, a spokesperson for the New York Historical Society, confirmed that preliminary searches of their archives found multiple references to Nicolls' second term. Ken Cobb, assistant commissioner of the city’s Department of Records, acknowledged that he was unaware of any efforts to investigate this historical discrepancy. The official directory, known as the Green Book, does not include Nicolls' second term, perpetuating the error.
Criticism & Opposition
The historical oversight has drawn criticism from historians and civic leaders alike. Hortenstine expressed concern, stating, “I would hope that the city takes the history of mayors very seriously.” This sentiment echoes the views of other historians who have noted the implications of such a significant error in the historical record.
Mamdani's Upcoming Administration
As Mamdani prepares to take office, he is also focused on reshaping city governance. His administration plans to establish 17 transition advisory committees, comprising over 400 individuals, to guide policy and appointments. This initiative aims to address pressing issues such as housing access and emergency preparedness, reflecting a commitment to progressive governance. Mamdani stated, “New Yorkers have placed a great deal of hope and expectation in this new course that they have elected us to chart.”
What's Next: Implications for Historical Accuracy
The implications of Hortenstine's research extend beyond mere numbers; they challenge the integrity of historical records and the importance of accurate documentation in governance. As Mamdani's administration begins, the question remains whether the city will take steps to correct the historical record and acknowledge the true count of its mayors. The potential for a historical revision could reshape not only the narrative of New York City's leadership but also the public's understanding of its governance.
