New York City Prepares for Mayor Mamdani’s Inauguration

New York City’s newly elected socialist mayor, Zoran Mamdani, has officially taken office in a midnight swearing-in ceremony conducted by New York State Attorney General Letitia James.

The event occurred early Thursday at Old City Hall Station, a historic, decommissioned metro station, with Mamdani’s family present. His transition team released a statement explaining that the late-night timing was meant to symbolize the subway as the “lifeblood of New York” and reflect the community that Mamdani aims to represent—built by New Yorkers for New Yorkers.

Mamdani remarked, “Old City Hall Station, which opened in 1904 as one of the first subway stations, stands as a beautiful reminder of the city’s ambition and the lives it transformed. Our vision doesn’t have to remain a memory but can thrive above ground, serving all New Yorkers.” This reflects, I think, a hopeful spirit for what’s to come.

Interestingly, Mamdani is the first Muslim to serve as New York City’s mayor and used the Quran during his swearing-in ceremony. This sets a notable precedent, perhaps. Later on Thursday, he will be publicly sworn in by independent Senator Bernie Sanders alongside progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who will also give introductory remarks.

Though tickets for inaugurations are typically issued to about 4,000 people, Mamdani’s team is making a point to invite all New Yorkers, along with a block party that will follow. The public ceremony is set for 1 p.m. on the steps of City Hall.

Mamdani’s unexpected victory in early November came after defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, despite starting his campaign with low approval ratings just a year earlier. It’s a remarkable turnaround, really.