NEW YORK CITY January 1, 2026 – In a momentous ceremony marking the dawn of a new era for the nation’s largest city, Zohran Kwame Mamdani was sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City on January 1, 2026, becoming the first Muslim to hold the office and the youngest in generations. The event, held at the historic City Hall subway station shortly after midnight and followed by a public celebration at City Hall, drew crowds and notable figures, including U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), who delivered a rousing address emphasizing themes of courage, inclusivity, and progressive change.
In a widely shared clip from the inauguration, posted by media editor Acyn on X (formerly Twitter), Ocasio-Cortez addressed the gathered crowd, highlighting Mamdani’s groundbreaking ascent. “Together this ascent marks a new era for New York City, led by a historic new mayor in Zohran Mamdani, guided by his dedication to a working class that makes our beautiful city run,” she said. Ocasio-Cortez framed the inauguration not just as Mamdani’s milestone but as a collective one for New Yorkers: “Importantly, I also ask that we consider today an inauguration for each one of us, too. The nearly 8.5 million New Yorkers who make up the greatest city on earth.”
She continued, underscoring the public’s choice in electing Mamdani amid challenging times: “Because it is the people of New York City who have chosen historic, ambitious leadership in response to untenable and unprecedented times. New York, we have chosen courage over fear. We have chosen prosperity for the many over spoils for the few. When the entrenched ways would rather have us dig in our feet and seek refuge in the past, we have chosen instead to turn towards making a new future for all of us.”
Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic Socialist and former New York State Assembly member representing Queens’ 36th District, was sworn in on a centuries-old Quran in a symbolic gesture that resonated with themes of diversity and inclusion. The official oath was administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James in the abandoned City Hall subway station, a nod to the city’s working-class roots and infrastructure challenges. A ceremonial swearing-in followed on the steps of City Hall, conducted by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), who has long been a mentor to progressive leaders like Mamdani.
The new mayor, born in Uganda to Indian-Muslim parents and an immigrant to the U.S., campaigned on a platform of affordable housing, police reform, climate action, and economic equity. His victory in the 2025 election was seen as a significant shift toward progressive policies in a city grappling with post-pandemic recovery, housing crises, and social inequalities.
The inauguration featured performances and appearances that blended politics with culture, including indie musician Lucy Dacus, who performed and was photographed hugging Mamdani. Other dignitaries in attendance included Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, and various city officials.
Reactions on social media were mixed, reflecting the polarized views on Mamdani’s progressive agenda. Supporters praised the event’s uplifting tone, with one X user noting Ocasio-Cortez’s message as “weirdly uplifting” and aspirational for future leadership. Critics, however, expressed skepticism, with posts warning of potential challenges like police resignations or labeling the administration as “corrupt” or “horrific.” One satirical post even falsely claimed Mamdani performed a “Nazi salute,” highlighting the spread of misinformation amid the high-profile event.
In his own inauguration speech, Mamdani vowed to prioritize the needs of everyday New Yorkers, echoing Ocasio-Cortez’s call for a future-oriented approach. As the city ushers in 2026 under new leadership, all eyes will be on how Mamdani navigates the complexities of governing one of the world’s most dynamic metropolises.
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