Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor of New York City on January 1, 2026, marking historic firsts as the city's first Muslim, South Asian, African-born, and millennial leader. The ceremony at City Hall featured speeches from prominent left-leaning figures and emphasized democratic socialist policies amid cold winter weather and mixed public reactions. Attendees celebrated the event while protesters expressed concerns over Mamdani's background.
On a chilly New Year's Day in 2026, New York City gathered at City Hall for the inauguration of Zohran Mamdani as its 110th mayor. At 34 years old, Mamdani became the youngest mayor in over a century and the first to take the oath on a Quran, administered by Senator Bernie Sanders, whom he credits as a political role model. The event unfolded in freezing temperatures around 25 degrees Fahrenheit, with crowds bundled against the wind during a public block party on Broadway and the main ceremony at City Hall Plaza.
The three-hour program began around 1:00 PM, following a private swearing-in earlier that morning at the decommissioned City Hall Subway station by Attorney General Letitia James, reportedly open to media like CNN. Emceed by Bernie Wagenblast, the voice of the NYC subway, the ceremony included performances and speeches highlighting progressive ideals. Actor Javier Munoz sang the national anthem, followed by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who praised New Yorkers for choosing 'the ambitious pursuit of universal child care, affordable rents and housing, and clean and dignified public transit for all' over 'the distractions of bigotry and the barbarism of extreme income inequality.'
Imam Khalid Latif, executive director of the Islamic Center of New York City, led a prayer tying Mamdani's Muslim faith to his politics, joined by representatives from other faith communities. Other highlights featured singer Mandy Patinkin performing 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' with children, poet Cornelius Eady reciting 'Proof' dedicated to marginalized students, and singer Lucy Dacus performing the socialist anthem 'Bread and Roses.' Public Advocate Jumaane Williams delivered an emotional speech, reflecting on personal struggles: 'Little black boy, you were worth it. And you always were. And without any titles, you were enough.'
Bernie Sanders spoke on income inequality, prompting chants of 'Tax the rich!' Mamdani's address emphasized inclusivity, stating the city's story is told in languages like Pashto, Mandarin, Yiddish, and Creole. He promised free buses, childcare, and rent freezes as 'freedoms,' and affirmed: 'I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist.' Addressing skeptics, he said, 'If you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor,' and highlighted diverse communities including Russian Jewish immigrants in Brighton Beach and Palestinian New Yorkers in Bay Ridge.
The crowd included celebrities like Marisa Tomei, Natasha Lyonne, and Walton Goggins, alongside activists such as Linda Sarsour and detained Columbia students Mohsen Mahdawi and Mahmoud Khalil. Protesters waving Israeli flags voiced anxiety over Mamdani's criticism of Israel's actions, with one anonymous woman citing concerns about his 'background' and Zionist futures in the city. Critics like Senator Tommy Tuberville warned of a 'completely Muslim' New York in 'three or four years,' echoing Islamophobic rhetoric. Outgoing Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, encountered outside, expressed support: 'He won fair and square. He should be given a chance.'
The event symbolized a shift toward progressive governance in a city shaped by post-9/11 suspicions of Muslims, with Mamdani running openly as a democratic socialist focused on public services like housing and transit without profit motives. While supporters saw hope in taxing the rich and universalism, detractors framed it as radical. The ceremony ended with a block party featuring Punjabi artist Babbulicious, reflecting New York's pluralistic spirit.
