While most people were watching the ball drop and ringing in the new year, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani officially took office on Jan. 1 as he was sworn in a decommissioned subway station under City Hall.
As the city’s first Muslim leader, Mamdani made history by taking his oath and placing his hand on a Quran immediately after midnight.
After the quick ceremony at the start of 2026, the new mayor took the stage at City Hall for a more public inauguration the next morning. Senator Bernie Sanders administered the oath before Mamdani gave his first public speech as mayor.
The ceremony, featuring appearances by political leaders Senator Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Sanders, drew thousands of New Yorkers to City Hall’s steps, with thousands more attending the block party nearby, which streamed the event. Supporters battled harsh weather to come out in droves to hear from their new leader. The democratic socialist mayor vowed to keep the promises made during his historic campaign.
“To those who insist that the era of big government is over, hear me when I say this: No longer will City Hall hesitate to use its power to improve New Yorkers’ lives,” Mamdani proclaimed.
The mayor and other speakers emphasized that this new era of New York leadership would not shy away from taxing the wealthy to fund the betterment of lower-class citizens.
“Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously,” Mamdani said. “I was elected as a democratic socialist, and I will govern as a democratic socialist,” he continued. “I will not abandon my principles for fear of being deemed ‘radical.’”
From Jadakiss quotes to a Jalen Brunson shoutout, Mamdani made a point to show that he was a New York mayor for all of its inhabitants.
“If you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor,” he exclaimed. “Regardless of whether we agree, I will protect you, celebrate with you, mourn alongside you, and never, not for a second, hide from you.”
Mamdani wasted no time getting to work after his inauguration. In addition to appointing members of his mayoral staff, the New York City leader also revoked all of former Mayor Eric Adams’ executive orders issued after his indictment on Sept. 26, 2024.
Mamdani’s commitment to the people of New York and the integrity of the government bodes well for the city’s new era.
