Everything to Know About Zohran Mamdani’s Inauguration

Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration as the 112th mayor of New York City was a historic and highly symbolic event that fused cultural celebration with political resolve, highlighting both his rise to power and his ambitious agenda for America’s largest metropolis.

His inauguration ceremonies — from a symbolic midnight oath to a grand public event at City Hall — reflected the diverse and dynamic character of the city he now leads. 

A Two-Stage Inauguration: Symbolism and Ceremony

Mamdani began his term uniquely and symbolically just after midnight on New Year’s Day. In a private ceremony at the Old City Hall subway station, a decommissioned and architecturally distinctive space beneath the historic municipal building, he was sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James. Choosing this underground location — one of the city’s earliest transit stations — underscored his lifelong commitment to public transit and the working-class roots of his political vision.

He placed his hand on a Qur’an during the oath, becoming the first Muslim mayor of New York City and anchoring his leadership in the varied faith traditions of the city’s residents. 

Later that afternoon, a public inauguration ceremony took place on the steps of City Hall, drawing a large and diverse crowd despite frigid winter conditions. Thousands gathered along Broadway in the area known as the “Canyon of Heroes,” a stretch famed for its ticker-tape parades, with many watching on big screens and chanting as the official proceedings unfolded. 

Who Was in Attendance

The public portion of the inauguration featured an impressive array of political figures, community leaders and cultural voices:

• Senator Bernie Sanders administered the ceremonial oath of office and delivered remarks celebrating Mamdani’s democratic socialist ethos and grassroots ascent.

• Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez opened the ceremony with a rousing speech, affirming that Mamdani’s election represented a choice for working people and a more equitable city.

• Public Advocate Jumaane Williams also spoke at the event, bringing heartfelt remarks to the crowd and emphasizing the emotional significance of the moment. 

• Family members, including Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, his mother Mira Nair, and various city and state officials were present, illustrating broad support across civic and cultural sectors. 

Local artists, cultural performers, and everyday New Yorkers — from community activists to transit workers — added to the sense that this was not just a political transition but a citywide celebration of diversity and inclusion. 

A Bold Vision Articulated

In his inaugural address at City Hall, Mamdani cast a vision of “a new era” for New York City. He embraced his identity as a democratic socialist and pledged to govern with ambition, promising that City Hall would use its power to improve the lives of all New Yorkers. His speech acknowledged the city’s deep inequalities and framed his leadership as a response — not only to local challenges but to broader questions about the role of government in people’s lives. 

“I was elected as a democratic socialist, and I will govern as a democratic socialist,” Mamdani declared, telling supporters that government should not hesitate to act boldly in the public interest. 

The crowd, bundled against cold temperatures, broke into chants such as “tax the rich” as progressive leaders emphasized economic justice and the need for expanded social services. 

Immediate Action Beyond the Ceremony

True to his rhetoric, Mamdani wasted no time translating promises into action. In the hours following the inauguration, he began signing executive orders targeting the city’s acute housing affordability crisis. These included reviving the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants, creating task forces to expedite housing construction, and removing bureaucratic barriers that slow development. 

Supporters saw these moves as an early test of whether Mamdani’s progressive agenda could be translated into effective governance, especially as he confronts structural challenges like housing shortages, transit woes and fiscal constraints.

A Legacy-Defining Moment

Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration was a watershed in New York City politics — not only because of the cultural and symbolic milestones it achieved but because it marked the beginning of a mayoralty that promises to challenge traditional norms of urban governance. His ascent from state assemblyman to mayor, backed by an unprecedented coalition of grassroots activists, progressive leaders and everyday New Yorkers, signals a shift in the city’s political landscape.

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