Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as Mayor of New York City at Midnight Ceremony

Zohran Mamdani has officially been sworn in as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, marking a historic milestone for the city.

Mamdani, 34, took the oath shortly after midnight on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, during a private ceremony attended by his wife, Rama Duwaji. Breaking with long-standing tradition, he chose an abandoned subway station beneath City Hall in Manhattan as the setting for the swearing-in.

A public inauguration is scheduled for later Thursday at City Hall Plaza, where New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will introduce the new mayor.

“Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez’s presence underscores the leaders central to the movement to usher in a new era for New York City — one focused on delivering an affordability agenda and reimagining what government can do for working people,” Mamdani’s transition team said in a statement.

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, a fellow democratic socialist, is also expected to attend the public ceremony. Ahead of the event, Sanders said he was “honored” to be part of the moment.

“His inauguration will represent the blending of our city on a subway filled with cacophony, diversity, challenge and opportunity,” Sanders told Fox News Digital. “The subway is a lifeblood of our city, and a great equalizer for New Yorkers. All of us are treated the same on the subway; it connects and binds New Yorkers in our daily lives.”

Mamdani, the Democratic nominee, defeated Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa in the Nov. 4 mayoral election. Although critics frequently and incorrectly labeled him a “communist” during the campaign, the Uganda-born politician identifies as a democratic socialist, aligning himself ideologically with leaders such as Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders.

In his election night acceptance speech, Mamdani pledged to confront “oligarchy and authoritarianism” with resolve rather than compromise. He also directly addressed President Donald Trump, saying, “If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him,” referencing Trump’s Queens birthplace and real estate career in Manhattan.

“And if there is any way to terrify a despot, it is by dismantling the very conditions that allowed him to accumulate power,” Mamdani added. “This is not only how we stop Trump; it’s how we stop the next one.”

He went on to outline priorities that included holding exploitative landlords accountable, cracking down on corruption, and closing tax loopholes for billionaires. “New York will remain a city of immigrants: a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants and, as of tonight, led by an immigrant,” he said.

Just weeks after the election, Mamdani met with Trump at the White House in what many observers described as a surprisingly cordial encounter. Despite their sharp political differences, the president spoke positively about the mayor-elect.

“Being the mayor of New York City is a big deal,” Trump said. “Especially now. I think you’re at a turning point… I think you have a chance to make it great.”

Mamdani later noted that, throughout his campaign, he spoke with Trump voters who shared concerns about the rising cost of living and housing affordability—issues both men acknowledged as pressing challenges for the city.

When reporters attempted to provoke tension by referencing Mamdani’s past criticisms of Trump, the president brushed it off. “That’s alright,” Trump said with a laugh. “I’ve been called much worse than a despot.”

Asked whether he would feel comfortable living in New York City under a Mamdani administration, Trump replied, “Yeah, I would. I really would. Especially after the meeting. We agree on a lot more than I would have thought.”

Mamdani’s inauguration brings an end to Eric Adams’ single term as mayor. Adams, a moderate Democrat who ran for reelection as an independent in 2025, faced persistent unpopularity throughout his tenure.

Public dissatisfaction with Adams’ leadership intensified following criticism of his handling of homelessness and the city budget. A federal corruption investigation later resulted in an indictment alleging he accepted foreign bribes during his rise to power. Although the case was ultimately dismissed, the political damage lingered. By March 2025, Adams recorded the lowest approval ratings in the history of Quinnipiac polling.

Despite polling in the single digits late in the race, Adams pressed forward with his independent reelection bid before ending his campaign in September. His name, however, remained on the ballot, closing a turbulent chapter in City Hall as Mamdani begins a new era for New York City.