Zohran Mamdani to take office as New York City welcomes the new year
It has long been tradition for incoming New York City mayors to mark the start of their term with more than one ceremony, as the new term officially begins with the new year
Zohran Mamdani is set to assume office as mayor of New York City at the start of 2026, with inauguration events stretching from midnight into New Year's Day.
The Democratic mayor-elect's team has arranged two swearing-in ceremonies tomorrow (1 January). The first will be a brief, private event with family members shortly after midnight at the historic former City Hall subway station in Manhattan.
A larger, public ceremony will follow later in the day, featuring a block party outside City Hall.
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It has long been tradition for incoming New York City mayors to mark the start of their term with more than one ceremony, as the new term officially begins with the new year. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams was initially sworn in at Times Square after the New Year's Eve ball drop, while former mayor Bill de Blasio took his first oath at his Brooklyn home.
Mamdani's midnight ceremony will take place at the old City Hall subway station, one of the city's earliest subway stops, known for its ornate arches and vaulted ceilings. New York Attorney General Letitia James will administer the oath of office.
The station, once the flagship stop of the city's first subway line, was closed in 1945 and is now largely inaccessible to the public, aside from occasional guided tours.
Mamdani's office said the location was chosen to reflect his commitment to working people who keep the city running.
In a statement, Mamdani said the station symbolised New York's ambition to build transformative infrastructure that improved the lives of ordinary people — an ambition he said his administration aims to revive.
Later that day, Mamdani will be sworn in again on the steps of City Hall at a public ceremony scheduled for 1pm. The oath will be administered by US Senator Bernie Sanders, a longtime political inspiration for Mamdani, while US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will deliver opening remarks.
The mayor-elect's inaugural committee includes actor John Turturro, playwright Cole Escola and author Colson Whitehead, along with community advocates, small business owners and campaign workers.
The public ceremony will be accompanied by a block party along Broadway leading to City Hall, with organisers expecting thousands to attend.
The event will feature music, performances and interfaith elements, according to Mamdani's office.
