Zohran Mamdani to be Sworn in as NYC Mayor
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Day 2026, Zohran Mamdani will officially take office as the new mayor of New York City. His inauguration festivities, featuring two separate swearing-in ceremonies, are set to celebrate both the turning of the year and a new chapter in the city’s leadership.
Why It Matters
Mamdani’s election is historic, as he will be New York City’s first Muslim mayor. His choice of venues for the swearing-in ceremonies symbolizes his commitment to infrastructure and the working class, along with a broader representation of New York’s diverse populace.
Key Developments
- The initial swearing-in will take place privately at the former City Hall subway station just after midnight.
- The public ceremony will occur later in the afternoon at City Hall, featuring U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
- Mamdani will make history by placing his hand on a Quran during the oath of office.
- A public block party is planned, anticipated to draw thousands of attendees for performances and interfaith elements.
- Mamdani is officially recognized as the 112th mayor of NYC, correcting a historical record-keeping error.
Full Report
Inauguration Events
Mamdani’s inauguration will unfold in two parts. The first, a private ceremony with family at an historic subway station at midnight, underscores his ties to the city’s working-class roots. New York Attorney General Letitia James will administer the oath of office in this unique venue, which has remained closed to the public since its decommissioning in 1945.
Following this, a larger public event is scheduled for Thursday afternoon at City Hall, where Mamdani will again be sworn in, this time led by Senator Bernie Sanders. The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m., with remarks from Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, amplifying the significance of Mamdani’s election for progressive politics in New York.
Cultural Significance
This swearing-in marks the first time a New York mayor has used the Quran during the oath, highlighting Mamdani’s commitment to inclusivity. His office stated that selecting the old City Hall subway station for the initial ceremony symbolizes a connection to an era of investment in public infrastructure, reflecting Mamdani’s vision for his administration.
Community Engagement
The public celebration will also feature a block party along Broadway leading to City Hall, designed to bring together New Yorkers for music and performances. Mamdani’s transition team includes diverse cultural figures, illustrating an effort to engage and reflect the city’s multifaceted community.
Historical Context
Mamdani’s ascent to the mayoralty cleared up a misconception regarding the number of NYC mayors, now confirmed as the 112th rather than the previously thought 111th due to a historical oversight. This emphasizes the importance of accurate historical record-keeping.
Mamdani is actively preparing for his new role, making key appointments shortly before the inauguration, as he looks to lead New York into its next chapter.
