On January 1, 2026, thousands gathered outside New York City Hall for the inauguration of Zohran Kwame Mamdani, marking the beginning of a new mayoral administration at the start of the new year. Despite the cold winter weather, the City Hall plaza filled early with attendees bundled in coats, hats, and scarves, forming a dense crowd that stretched well beyond the main stage.
The administration of oaths took place in stages. New York Attorney General Letitia James administered the oath of office for Comptroller Mark Levine, who then addressed the crowd. Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams was sworn in by special guests before delivering remarks of his own.
The focal moment of the day came with the administration of the mayoral oath. U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders administered the oath of office to Zohran Mamdani as he stood alongside his wife, Rama Duwaji, beneath a large American flag hanging from City Hall. The moment blended personal significance with public ceremony, drawing applause from the assembled crowd.
Following the oath, Mayor Mamdani delivered his inaugural address from the podium as attendees throughout the plaza listened attentively, some watching from a distance while others stood closer to the steps of City Hall.
