Zohran Mamdani's Historic Swearing-In Ceremony

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in as New York City's 112th mayor during a private midnight ceremony on January 1, 2026, at the Old City Hall subway station. This historic venue, which opened in 1904 and was decommissioned in 1945, symbolizes Mamdani's commitment to the working citizens of New York. The station, adorned with tiled arches and chandeliers, serves as a reminder of the city's ambitious past and its potential for future transformation. Mamdani stated, “When I take my oath from the station at the dawn of the New Year, I will do so humbled by the opportunity to lead millions of New Yorkers into a new era of opportunity, and honored to carry forward our city's legacy of greatness.”

1010 Wins AMWJZ - CBS BaltimoreABC7 New YorkWNYW - Fox 5 - New YorkMayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani Sworn In at Midnight in Old City Hall SubwayThe Record (New Jersey)

The oath of office will be administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James during the private ceremony, attended by Mamdani's family and close advisors. Following this, a public swearing-in ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. on January 1, 2026, on the steps of City Hall, where Senator Bernie Sanders will officiate. This public event, dubbed the "Inauguration of a New Era," will feature a block party along Broadway, allowing for broader participation from New Yorkers. Traditionally limited to about 4,000 ticketed guests, this year's celebration aims to include tens of thousands, with designated viewing areas along the historic Canyon of Heroes.

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Mamdani's choice of the Old City Hall subway station reflects his vision for a city that prioritizes the needs of working New Yorkers. He emphasized that the subway system is the "lifeblood of New York," and the station serves as a "physical monument" to the city's capacity for greatness. Attorney General James echoed this sentiment, stating that the subway represents a "great equalizer" for all New Yorkers, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in Mamdani's administration.

The Guardian

While Mamdani's inauguration is largely celebrated, there are dissenting voices. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams has expressed uncertainty about attending the ceremony, citing concerns about potential disruptions from Mamdani's supporters. Additionally, tech billionaire Elon Musk criticized Mamdani's appointment of Lillian Bonsignore to lead the Fire Department of New York, questioning her experience. Mamdani defended his choice, emphasizing Bonsignore's extensive background in emergency medical services.

The GuardianMayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani Sworn In at Midnight in Old City Hall SubwayWNYW - Fox 5 - New York"Extraordinary inauguration ceremony of the New York mayor"The Record (New Jersey)

As Mamdani prepares to take office, he has outlined a progressive agenda focused on affordability, including universal child care and free public transportation. His inauguration marks a significant shift in New York City's political landscape, as he becomes the first Democratic Socialist mayor, as well as the first Muslim and Southeast Asian to hold the position. The public ceremony and block party on January 1 will serve as a celebration of this new political era, inviting all New Yorkers to participate in the festivities.

WNYW - Fox 5 - New York

• “When I take my oath from the station at the dawn of the new year, I will do so humbled by the opportunity to lead millions of New Yorkers into a new era of opportunity, and honored to carry forward our city's legacy of greatness.” — Zohran Mamdani, Mayor-elect

Newsday

• “Our subways connect us all, and they represent exactly what our next mayor is fighting for: a city every New Yorker can thrive in,” — Letitia James, New York Attorney General

New York Post