By Amanda Castro
Associate News Editor
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Mayor Zohran Mamdani has moved swiftly to reshape City Hall, issuing an executive order that revokes all directives signed by former Mayor Eric Adams after September 26, 2024 — the date of Adams’s indictment. Mamdani framed the move as a defense of working-class New Yorkers, though he did not provide specific examples of policies affected.
What to Know
- Mamdani’s order nullifies every executive action Adams signed after his indictment.
- At a press conference, Mamdani said those orders were “against the interests of working-class people.”
- He did not identify which policies or programs would be impacted by the revocation.
- The move underscores Mamdani’s effort to distance his administration from Adams’s embattled tenure.
- City agencies are now reviewing which initiatives may be halted or altered as a result.
- Mamdani noted he will issue a new executive order to retain the Office to Combat Antisemitism, which Adams had established through his own directive. The office was created to coordinate city efforts against antisemitic incidents and promote community safety.
- Mamdani was sworn in as mayor of New York City at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Day
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Jan 01, 2026 at 06:00 PM EST
Mamdani confident rent freeze will move forward
Mayor Zohran Mamdani voiced optimism Thursday that his proposal to freeze rents for tenants in stabilized apartments will advance despite opposition from former Mayor Eric Adams.
Asked about Adams’s efforts to block the plan, Mamdani said he believes the Rent Guidelines Board will recognize the urgent needs of tenants. “I continue to be confident that the Rent Guidelines Board will assess the landscape of tenants for rent-stabilized units across this city and find they’re in dire need of relief,” he said.
The rent freeze is a centerpiece of Mamdani’s affordability agenda, aimed at easing pressure on households struggling with rising costs. Housing advocates have welcomed the proposal, while critics warn it could discourage investment in new housing.
Jan 01, 2026 at 05:59 PM EST
What is Democratic Socialism?
Democratic socialism is a political ideology that combines a socialist economic framework with democratic governance, aiming to create a fairer society without abandoning political freedoms. It emphasizes social or common ownership of production, worker control over decision‑making, and the use of democratic processes to reshape capitalism gradually.
At its core, democratic socialism promotes economic democracy, social ownership of key industries, and political democracy that safeguards free speech and elections. It stresses equity and solidarity, seeking to reduce inequality and guarantee universal access to healthcare, education, and other basic needs through progressive taxation and robust social programs.
The ideology differs from social democracy, which works within capitalism to strengthen welfare states, and from communism, which relies on centralized, one‑party rule. Democratic socialists reject authoritarianism, advocating instead for gradual, democratic change.
Common policy goals include universal healthcare, free public education, worker cooperatives, and stronger labor protections. Supporters argue that capitalism inherently undermines freedom and equality, while democratic socialism seeks to build an economy where people — not profit — drive decisions.
Jan 01, 2026 at 05:51 PM EST
Mamdani revokes Adams’ post-indictment executive orders
Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Thursday signed an executive order nullifying all directives issued by former Mayor Eric Adams after Sept. 26, 2024, the date of Adams’s indictment.
At a press conference, Mamdani said the orders were “against the interests of working-class people,” though he did not cite specific examples. The move marks one of Mamdani’s first significant actions since taking office and underscores his pledge to reshape city policy in line with his progressive agenda.
The revocation effectively erases Adams’s late-term directives, leaving City Hall to determine which programs or initiatives may be affected.
Jan 01, 2026 at 05:45 PM EST
Mamdani pledges bold, inclusive agenda in inaugural address
Mayor Zohran Mamdani used his swearing‑in ceremony to outline an ambitious vision for New York City, promising to govern “expansively and audaciously” and to restore faith in government by delivering tangible results.
Mamdani emphasized affordability as the centerpiece of his agenda, vowing to freeze rents for tenants in stabilized apartments, provide universal child care funded by taxes on the wealthy, and make buses fast and free. He pledged to raise the minimum wage and reform the city’s property tax system, framing these policies as essential to ensuring freedom and dignity for working families.
The city’s first Muslim mayor, Mamdani underscored his identity as a democratic socialist, declaring he would not abandon his principles. He invoked past leaders from Fiorello La Guardia to David Dinkins, situating his program within a tradition of mayors who sought to make New York belong to more than just the privileged few.
Calling on New Yorkers to stand with him, Mamdani said his administration would transform City Hall into a place of resolve and results. “If you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor,” he said, promising to protect and serve all residents, regardless of politics.
Jan 01, 2026 at 05:29 PM EST
Jumaane Williams brings emotion to public advocate swearing-in
Jumaane Williams, sworn in Thursday for a third term as New York City’s public advocate, moved the crowd to its feet when he broke into tears and delivered a deeply personal message. Addressing his childhood self, Williams affirmed his worth and the dignity of those he has long championed. “Little Black boy, you are worth it, and you always were,” he said, pledging to help build a city that protects and uplifts its most vulnerable.
Williams asked attendees to hold hands in a symbolic oath of solidarity, urging them not to let go of one another. “If we are all connected, we can’t lose anyone,” he said, calling on New Yorkers to reach out to those at risk of being left behind.
The son of Grenadian immigrants, Williams reflected on the challenges facing the city, from immigration enforcement to rising housing costs, while insisting local leadership can inspire hope. Known as an “activist elected official,” he has been arrested for protesting federal immigration policies and was a vocal supporter of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s campaign.
Closing his remarks, Williams addressed his daughters, immigrants who helped swear him in, and those who feel unseen, urging them to stand together. “Anything can happen so anything can happen,” he said, as the crowd echoed his words.
Jan 01, 2026 at 05:14 PM EST
Imam Khalid Latif urges Faith and Justice at Mamdani inauguration
Imam Khalid Latif, executive director of the Islamic Center of New York City and a close ally of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, delivered a powerful invocation at Thursday’s inauguration, tying the new mayor’s political vision to his faith.
Standing alongside five other faith leaders, Latif prayed for City Hall and the city itself, describing belief as nurtured in both houses of worship and on the streets of protest. He called Mamdani — a young, immigrant, democratic socialist Muslim — “bold enough to run and brave enough to win, not by abandoning conviction but by standing firmly within it.”
Mamdani, sworn in as New York’s first Muslim mayor, placed his hand on a family Quran and one once owned by Arturo Schomburg, making faith a central feature of his campaign. Latif, a longtime friend, was a vocal defender against Islamophobic attacks during the election.
In his prayer, Latif urged Mamdani to stay close to the struggles of everyday New Yorkers — families in cramped apartments, low‑wage workers, students in crowded classrooms, and small business owners. He praised campaign volunteers and closed with a call for justice, declaring the inauguration “not an ending but a beginning.”
“Let what was once thought impossible be the standard by which we measure our future,” Latif said, as the crowd raised their hands in agreement.
Jan 01, 2026 at 04:53 PM EST
WATCH: Bernie Sanders swears in Zohran Mamdani as NYC mayor
Jan 01, 2026 at 03:38 PM EST
Mamdani’s progressive agenda sets up clash with Wall Street
With nearly nine million residents and the world’s largest financial hub, New York City is preparing to test an ambitious progressive economic vision under Mayor Zohran Mamdani. His proposals — ranging from free bus service to city‑owned grocery stores and rent freezes — have already drawn sharp criticism from business leaders and investors.
Affordability sits at the center of Mamdani’s platform. He has pledged to create a network of city‑run grocery stores designed to lower food costs, eliminate bus fares through expanded transit lanes, and raise the minimum wage to $30 by 2030. He has also promised free childcare for families with young children and a rent freeze for tenants in stabilized apartments.
To finance these programs, Mamdani has floated raising corporate taxes to match New Jersey’s rate and imposing a 2 percent levy on the wealthiest one percent of New Yorkers. Critics warn the measures could discourage investment and strain the city’s housing market, while supporters argue they are necessary to make life affordable for working families.
The agenda, which requires cooperation from the City Council and state legislature, sets up a high‑stakes test of whether progressive policies can be implemented in America’s largest city — and whether New York can serve as a model for the rest of the country.
Jan 01, 2026 at 03:24 PM EST
Rama Duwaji brings art world chic to role of first lady
Rama Duwaji, the 28‑year‑old artist and wife of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, is redefining what it means to be first lady. The youngest in city history — and its first Gen Z and Muslim first lady — Duwaji has embraced her creative background to shape a public image that blends fashion, symbolism, and generational change.
At Mamdani’s public swearing‑in on New Year’s Day, she stood out in a chocolate‑brown princess‑line coat trimmed with fur, paired with high‑heeled boots and bold earrings. Rather than conforming to traditional political attire, Duwaji leaned into her individuality, reflecting the same attention to detail she brings to her art.
She has already played a role in her husband’s political rise, helping design his campaign logo and using her platform of 1.6 million Instagram followers to spotlight independent designers. On election night, she wore pieces by Palestinian and New York‑based creators, signaling her intent to use fashion as a form of advocacy.
Her style choices — from sculptural looks in a New York magazine photo shoot to the “art world chic” ensembles noted by USA Today — underscore her dual identity as both political spouse and working artist. Together, her presence suggests that Gracie Mansion under Mamdani will reflect not only new leadership but also a new cultural sensibility.
Jan 01, 2026 at 03:09 PM EST
Mamdani frames mayoral tenure as test for the left
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Mamdani closed his inaugural remarks by acknowledging the national stakes of his leadership, saying, “There are many who will be watching. They want to know if the left can govern.”
Earlier, Mamdani leaned into his cultural roots as a former rapper, borrowing a line from Jadakiss to promise he will “be outside” as mayor.
He also restated his push to raise taxes on wealthy New Yorkers and businesses, a stance that puts him at odds with Gov. Kathy Hochul, who opposes higher personal income taxes and was seated onstage during the ceremony.
Despite months of outreach to civic and business leaders, Mamdani insisted he will govern as an unapologetic democratic socialist. “I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist,” he said.
The mayor’s speech also included personal touches, recalling everyday rites of passage from growing up in New York City — from overpriced coffee to late buses — as he sought to connect his agenda to the lived experiences of residents.
Jan 01, 2026 at 03:00 PM EST
Mamdani’s inaugural speech stresses diversity, reform and National Stakes
Mayor Zohran Mamdani pledged to deliver “safety, affordability and abundance” in his inaugural address, echoing the pro‑housing abundance movement within the Democratic Party that has called for ambitious urban policy.
The ceremony carried lighter moments as well, with the thank‑you section of Mamdani’s remarks doubling as a showcase of winter fashion. Bernie Sanders’s blue knit beanie drew attention, while Mamdani’s parents, Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair, stood out in matching Karakul hats.
Mamdani also waded into one of New York’s most contentious issues, voicing support for property tax reform. While many leaders agree the system is broken, sharp divisions remain over how to restructure it and who should bear higher costs.
Closing his remarks, Mamdani addressed New Yorkers, celebrating the city’s diversity. Yet he acknowledged broader national implications, pointing to President Trump’s mass deportation campaign and positioning New York as a counterweight to those policies.
Jan 01, 2026 at 02:53 PM EST
Mamdani sets bold agenda in inaugural address
Mamdani began his ceremonial swearing‑in by offering kind words to predecessor Eric Adams, noting Adams’s mother Dorothy and his working‑class roots, despite the sharp attacks Adams leveled against him during the campaign.
Turning to his own vision, Mamdani pledged to improve life for the city’s most vulnerable, declaring, “We may not always succeed but we will never be accused of lacking the courage to try.”
He set a high bar for his administration, refusing to scale back promises of free child care and expanded bus service, insisting he will work to prove government can deliver. “I ran on an agenda and I plan on making it happen,” he said, vowing to govern “expansively and audaciously.”
Mamdani closed by posing a central question for his tenure: “Who does New York belong to?” He answered that for too long the city has served “the wealthy and well connected,” and promised his administration would confront that imbalance head‑on.
Jan 01, 2026 at 02:49 PM EST
Mamdani vows to serve all New Yorkers
Addressing nearly one million residents who did not support him, Mayor Zohran Mamdani pledged during his inaugural remarks that he intends to govern for them as well, saying only his actions can change the minds of those who “distrust or disdain” him.
He reinforced that message with a promise: “While only action can change minds, I promise you this: if you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor.”
The speech turned briefly to his predecessor, Eric Adams, drawing boos from the crowd at City Hall. Mamdani, who had been sharply critical of Adams during the campaign, struck a gracious tone, thanking him and joking that he would never forget being named the candidate Adams would most want to be trapped with in an elevator.
Jan 01, 2026 at 02:45 PM EST
Mamdani begins public speech
Mayor Zohran Mamdani opened his ceremonial swearing‑in with the words, “My fellow New Yorkers, today begins a new era,” setting the tone for his first address to the city.
In a lighthearted moment, Mamdani joked about whether he was the 111th or 112th mayor, drawing laughter from the crowd gathered outside City Hall. The oath he took from Sen. Bernie Sanders was symbolic, as he had already been officially sworn in just after midnight by Attorney General Letitia James.
The atmosphere was electric, with supporters chanting “Zohran, Zohran, Zohran” in unison, clapping and cheering in the middle of the street to celebrate the city’s new leadership.
Jan 01, 2026 at 02:41 PM EST
Sanders calls for fair taxes at Mamdani inauguration
Senator Bernie Sanders capped his remarks at Zohran Mamdani’s swearing‑in by declaring that “the wealthy and corporations” must begin paying their fair share of taxes, stressing that the idea “is not radical.”
His comments came as the crowd at City Hall erupted into chants of “tax the rich,” underscoring the resonance of his message with Mamdani’s supporters.
Sanders, alongside Representative Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez, is one of Mamdani’s most prominent backers. In his speech, he affirmed the democratic socialist values they share, telling New Yorkers that their city can serve as proof that caring for working people is possible everywhere.
Jan 01, 2026 at 02:37 PM EST
Bernie Sanders praises New Yorkers at Mamdani inauguration
Senator Bernie Sanders drew loud applause and chants of “Bernie” as he rose to administer the oath of office for Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s new mayor.
In his remarks, Sanders thanked residents for choosing what he called courageous leadership at a time of “too much hatred, too much defensiveness, and too much injustice.” He said New Yorkers had inspired the nation by electing Mamdani, framing the victory as proof of what working people can achieve when united.
Sanders also defended Mamdani’s progressive agenda, particularly his focus on housing. “In the richest country in the history of the world, making sure that people can live in affordable housing is not radical,” he said, pushing back against critics of the mayor’s platform.
Jan 01, 2026 at 02:30 PM EST
Where would you know Lucy Dacus from?
Lucy Dacus, the Richmond-born singer-songwriter, has become one of the most acclaimed voices in contemporary folk-rock. Known for her vulnerable, narrative-driven songwriting, she first broke through with her 2016 debut No Burden and quickly earned praise for her lyrical depth and emotional clarity.
Her solo albums trace an evolving journey: Historian (2018) explored themes of mortality and resilience, Home Video (2021) reflected on adolescence and memory, and her latest release, Forever Is a Feeling (2025), turns toward love and intimacy. Standout tracks like “Night Shift” have cemented her reputation for blending personal storytelling with broader social commentary.
Beyond her solo work, Dacus is a founding member of boygenius, the Grammy-winning supergroup with Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker. Together, they achieved mainstream success with The Record, a project that underscored the trio’s influence on modern indie music.
Drawing from her own experiences, including her adoption and upbringing in a Christian household, Dacus’s music resonates for its honesty and accessibility. Whether performing solo or with boygenius, she continues to shape the landscape of American songwriting with a voice that is both intimate and universal.
Jan 01, 2026 at 02:27 PM EST
Lucy Dacus performs ‘Bread & Roses’ at Mamdani inauguration
Grammy-winning singer Lucy Dacus is performing “Bread & Roses” at Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration as New York City mayor, bringing a song rooted in the women’s suffrage and labor movements to the historic ceremony.
The phrase “Bread and Roses” originated in the early 20th century, symbolizing the demand for both basic needs and dignity. It inspired James Oppenheim’s 1911 poem and became a rallying cry during a textile strike the following year. In 1974, singer-songwriter Mimi Fariña adapted the words into music and later founded a nonprofit of the same name to bring live performances to hospitals and prisons.
The song has since been recorded by artists including Judy Collins, Pete Seeger, and Utah Phillips. Dacus, who previously performed it with her band boygenius at a benefit concert in 2021, will now bring its message to City Hall.
Jan 01, 2026 at 02:21 PM EST
Williams positions New York as progressive counterweight
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams took his oath of office on New Year’s Day, joined on stage by several immigrants, including one whose story was chronicled decades ago.
A longtime progressive activist, Williams used his remarks to highlight his record on police accountability and his near‑miss in the lieutenant governor’s race against Kathy Hochul. He also spoke personally as the son of immigrants, centering his speech on the challenges faced by immigrant New Yorkers and recalling his protests against mass deportation policies under President Trump.
Williams concluded by casting New York City as a liberal counterbalance to Washington’s right‑leaning federal government—a theme expected to be echoed shortly by Mayor Zohran Mamdani in his inaugural address.
Jan 01, 2026 at 02:15 PM EST
IN PICTURES: The scene at City Hall in Brooklyn
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Jan 01, 2026 at 02:13 PM EST
Who is poet Cornelius Eady?
Cornelius Eady, born in Rochester, New York, in 1954, has built a career exploring race, class, and family life through poetry that often carries the rhythms of jazz and blues. His accessible style has earned him wide recognition, including fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the Strousse Award from Prairie Schooner.
Eady is the author of seven volumes of poetry, with Brutal Imagination (2001) standing out as a finalist for the National Book Award. That collection confronts racial stereotypes through two cycles of poems, one imagining the voice of the fictitious Black man Susan Smith blamed for her children’s deaths, and another examining the struggles of African‑American families. His earlier works include Kartunes (1980), Victims of the Latest Dance Craze (1985), and The Autobiography of a Jukebox (1997).
Beyond the page, Eady has collaborated with jazz composer Diedre Murray on musical theater pieces such as Running Man, which was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for drama in 1999. He also co‑founded the Cave Canem Foundation in 1996 with Toi Derricotte, creating a vital space for Black poets.
Eady has taught at institutions including NYU, Sarah Lawrence, and the University of Missouri, and as of 2025 serves as a professor at the University of Tennessee‑Knoxville. Married to novelist Sarah Micklem, he continues to shape American poetry both as a writer and mentor. Most recently, he was invited to perform an original poem at Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration as New York City mayor on January 1, 2026, underscoring his ongoing role at the intersection of art and civic life.
Jan 01, 2026 at 02:10 PM EST
Poet Cornelius Eady debuts ‘Proof’ at Mamdani inauguration
Cornelius Eady, the acclaimed poet and co‑founder of Cave Canem, delivered an original work titled Proof at Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration. Eady described the piece as a “New York poem,” though he said he hopes its themes will resonate across the country.
Eady admitted he initially thought the invitation from Mamdani’s transition team was a phishing attempt before realizing it was genuine. His participation added a cultural dimension to the ceremony, underscoring how art and politics often intersect in moments of civic transition.
Jan 01, 2026 at 02:07 PM EST
When did Mamdani get married? Know about his wedding to Rama Duwaji
Before Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City, he and Rama Duwaji marked their wedding day with a subway ride during rush hour. Photographer Kara McCurdy, who documented the ceremony, recalls the couple boarding crowded N‑W and 4‑5 trains on a rainy February morning, Duwaji clutching a bouquet Mamdani had just purchased in Astoria. “It felt like just the two of them in the sea of people,” McCurdy said.
McCurdy first met Mamdani in 2019 while volunteering on his campaigns and later helped shape his online visual identity. By 2021, Mamdani had met Duwaji on the dating app Hinge and had told friends early on that he intended to marry her. A quiet meal followed their intimate clerk’s office wedding in 2025 in Chinatown, before they announced their marriage months later with an Instagram post that doubled as a political statement.
The couple’s story quickly went viral after Mamdani’s November victory, with headlines celebrating their unconventional romance and Duwaji’s alternative wedding style. Social media users praised the authenticity of McCurdy’s images, turning their low‑key ceremony into an aspirational aesthetic.
For McCurdy, the photos reflect more than a love story. “These photos—they offer us a sort of authenticity that is so lacking,” she said, noting how Mamdani’s openness with the public has become part of his political rise.
Jan 01, 2026 at 02:05 PM EST
Mandy Patinkin brings music to Mamdani’s inauguration
Broadway legend Mandy Patinkin added star power to Zohran Mamdani’s swearing‑in ceremony, taking the stage to The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” before performing a stirring rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
Patinkin, known for his award‑winning career in musical theatre and acclaimed roles in television and film, has long been celebrated for his ability to blend artistry with emotional resonance. His performance at City Hall offered a moment of reflection and uplift, complementing the historic nature of Mamdani’s inauguration as New York City’s first South Asian and Muslim mayor.
The actor and singer, whose career spans collaborations with Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well as iconic roles in Evita, Sunday in the Park with George, and The Princess Bride, brought a sense of cultural gravitas to the day’s events. His presence highlighted the ceremony’s blend of politics and art, marking the occasion as both a civic milestone and a celebration of New York’s creative spirit.
Jan 01, 2026 at 02:02 PM EST
Adams uses final hours to push last-minute measures
Outgoing New York City Mayor Eric Adams spent his final day in office quietly but forcefully, exercising authority until the last hours of his term. With fewer than nine hours left, Adams announced the creation of a new Charter Revision Commission to study open primaries and vetoed 19 City Council bills, including measures expanding street vendor licenses and granting the Civilian Complaint Review Board access to police body camera footage.
The actions drew sharp criticism from council members and allies of incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who accused Adams of undermining his successor’s agenda. Councilwoman Julie Menin said the mayor had “sidelined the legislative process,” while State Senator Gustavo Rivera argued Adams’s downfall was of his own making.
Jan 01, 2026 at 02:00 PM EST
Mark Levine welcomes crowd with humor and multilingual greeting
New York City Comptroller Mark Levine opened his remarks at the inauguration with greetings in Spanish, Hebrew, and Greek, urging the audience to “download Duolingo” as a playful nod to language learning.
Levine then joked about his role, telling the crowd, “I know you are all wondering: What the heck is a comptroller?” He explained that the position, one of three citywide elected offices, functions as the city’s chief financial officer, responsible for auditing agencies and safeguarding public funds.
Jan 01, 2026 at 01:56 PM EST
Letitia James swears in Comptroller Mark Levine
New York Attorney General Letitia James administered the oath of office on Thursday for incoming city comptroller Mark Levine, marking the start of his new term.
“It is truly my honor and my privilege to administer his oath of office,” James said as Levine took the stage. The ceremony underscores the comptroller’s role as a key fiscal watchdog for the city, responsible for overseeing budgets, auditing agencies, and safeguarding taxpayer dollars.
Jan 01, 2026 at 01:51 PM EST
Imam Latif urges Mamdani to lead with compassion
Imam Khalid Latif delivered an impassioned prayer at Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration, calling on the new mayor to resist the temptations of power and remain close to those most in need. Latif, a longtime mentor to Mamdani, urged him to “keep proximity to the people who struggle” and to stay true to himself even when “the pressure to compromise is loud.”
He emphasized the importance of serving marginalized communities, including the homeless and immigrants, declaring, “The city belongs to all of us and our liberation is bound together.”
Jan 01, 2026 at 01:49 PM EST
Who is Imam Khalid Latif?
Imam Khalid Latif, a prominent Muslim leader in New York City, is now serving as the Executive Director and Co‑Founder of the newly established Islamic Center of New York City (ICNYC). Latif, born in 1982, previously spent nearly two decades as chaplain and director of the Islamic Center at New York University, where he built one of the country’s most influential Muslim campus communities.
Latif first rose to prominence in 2007 when Mayor Michael Bloomberg appointed him as the youngest chaplain in the history of the New York Police Department. Known for his advocacy of coexistence and interfaith dialogue, he has since become a sought‑after speaker at universities and institutions across the United States and abroad.
The ICNYC, which opened in September 2025 in Manhattan’s West Village, offers more than 16,000 square feet of space for worship and community programs. Latif marked the transition with a “Farewelcome Celebration” at Webster Hall, honoring his years at NYU while embracing his new role.
Beyond his chaplaincy, Latif has been recognized internationally, named among the world’s 500 most influential Muslims in 2010. He has contributed to media outlets, appeared in Chelsea Clinton’s documentary Of Many, and received awards for his work promoting faith, justice, and mutual understanding.
Jan 01, 2026 at 01:47 PM EST
Who was NYC’s last immgrant mayor before Mamdani?
On January 1, 2026, Zohran Kwame Mamdani made history as New York City’s first South Asian, African, Ugandan‑born immigrant and Muslim mayor, as well as the youngest and first Democratic Socialist to lead the city in modern times. His victory also marked the first time since 1972 that an immigrant has been chosen to run City Hall.
The last was Abraham Beame, New York’s first Jewish mayor, whose election reflected the perseverance of immigrant communities in an earlier era. Beame, born in London to Polish‑Jewish parents, rose from the Lower East Side to steady the city through its fiscal crisis of the 1970s, leaving office with a surplus despite years of turmoil.
Mamdani’s ascent comes under different pressures but carries similar symbolism. Like Beame, he embodies the immigrant story, though his African and Muslim identity has drawn criticism from detractors. His election represents a generational shift—from Beame’s cautious pragmatism to Mamdani’s bold platform of global justice, economic equity, and anti‑war activism.
Jan 01, 2026 at 01:45 PM EST
Imam Khalid Latif delivers invocation at Mamdani’s inauguration
Imam Khalid Latif, executive director of The Islamic Center of New York City, offered the invocation at Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration, bringing a personal touch to the ceremony. Latif, a longtime friend and mentor to the new mayor, spoke during the campaign about his pride in Mamdani’s rise and the challenges he faced amid Islamophobia.
In an earlier interview, Latif described Mamdani as “showing people who we are by showing who he is,” adding that the mayor’s faith “informs his sense of the collective and common good.” His presence underscored both the historic nature of Mamdani’s election and the role of community and faith in shaping his vision for the city.
Jan 01, 2026 at 01:42 PM EST
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez welcomes Mamdani with call for courage
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivered the welcome speech at Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration, underscoring the shared vision between the two progressive leaders. Though not closely aligned beforehand, their partnership now signals a generational shift in New York politics.
In her remarks, Ocasio-Cortez framed Mamdani’s election as “a new era for New York City led by a historic new mayor… guided by his dedication to the working class.” She told the crowd, “New York, we have chosen courage over fear, we have chosen prosperity for the many over spoils for the few.”
She praised Mamdani as “relentlessly dedicated” and described his victory as “an ambitious pursuit,” urging New Yorkers to embrace community and solidarity. “Now is the time for us to turn towards our neighbors, stand with them, and return to community life,” she said.
Jan 01, 2026 at 01:35 PM EST
Mamdani shares inaugural stage with other city leaders
While Zohran Mamdani’s swearing‑in as New York City’s mayor dominated the spotlight, he was not the only official taking an oath on Thursday.
Mark Levine, the incoming city comptroller, and Jumaane Williams, re‑elected as public advocate, joined the stage to be formally sworn into office.
Jan 01, 2026 at 01:34 PM EST
Mamdani’s inauguration echoes past eras of reform
Zohran Mamdani’s swearing‑in as New York City’s mayor places him in a long tradition of leaders who framed their inaugurations as the start of a new era for City Hall.
Lilly Tuttle, curator at the Museum of the City of New York, noted that inaugural speeches often reflect the political climate of their time. She suggested Mamdani may draw inspiration from Fiorello LaGuardia, who in 1934 skipped a formal ceremony and pledged to deliver “honest, clean government” during the depths of the Great Depression. Mamdani, likewise, has promised to confront corruption and restore trust in city government.
Tuttle also pointed to John Lindsay, the progressive Republican who used television to reach New Yorkers in the 1960s, much as Mamdani now relies on social media. Lindsay’s emphasis on social justice and civil rights may resonate in Mamdani’s message of inclusivity and opportunity.
While a transit strike overshadowed Lindsay’s inauguration, Mamdani begins his tenure under different pressures, but with similar ambitions to unite the city and chart a new course.
Jan 01, 2026 at 01:33 PM EST
‘New Year, New Mayor’: Mamdani
Two hours ago, Zohran Mamdani shared an image of himself at his new desk on X, simply captioned "New Year, New Mayor."
Jan 01, 2026 at 01:30 PM EST
Hochul’s alliance with Mamdani could shape City agenda
Governor Kathy Hochul joined the stage at Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration, highlighting an unexpected partnership between the moderate Democrat from Buffalo and the newly sworn‑in democratic socialist mayor from Queens.
Hochul’s role is pivotal: as governor, she controls the flow of state funding that Mamdani will need to advance his ambitious agenda, including universal child care and free city buses. Their alliance, forged despite ideological differences, could determine whether Mamdani’s proposals move from campaign promises to policy reality.
Jan 01, 2026 at 01:29 PM EST
IN PICTURES: What you’re missing at City Hall today
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Jan 01, 2026 at 01:27 PM EST
NYC mayors put unique stamp on Inauguration Day
New York City’s mayors have long added personal flourishes to their swearing‑in ceremonies, turning tradition into spectacle.
In 2022, Eric Adams held up a photo of his late mother in Times Square and took the oath just after the ball dropped, as the city grappled with the COVID pandemic. Back in 1990, David Dinkins drew a record crowd of 12,000 as he became the city’s first Black mayor. Four years later, Rudy Giuliani invited his young son, Andrew, to help deliver remarks on the steps of City Hall.
Earlier generations also left their mark. Ed Koch famously rode an M6 bus to his inauguration in 1978, while Broadway legend Ethel Merman sang the national anthem at John Lindsay’s ceremony in 1966.
Together, these moments highlight how each mayor has sought to connect with New Yorkers in distinctive ways on one of the city’s most symbolic days.
Jan 01, 2026 at 01:23 PM EST
Flags, former mayors and cheers Mark Mamdani’s inauguration
City Hall was draped in banners for Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration, with American and New York City flags flanked by those representing each of the five boroughs.
Onstage, former mayors Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams sat alongside Senator Chuck Schumer, who did not endorse Mamdani’s campaign. Mamdani has praised de Blasio’s tenure, calling him the best mayor of his lifetime and highlighting his rollout of universal prekindergarten.
Senator Bernie Sanders, who administered the ceremonial oath, appeared in understated gloves rather than his signature mittens. His presence, alongside Representative Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez, drew deafening cheers from the block party crowd watching on screens outside City Hall.
The applause continued as Attorney General Letitia James entered and waved to the audience. James had sworn Mamdani in just after midnight in a private ceremony, and her arrival underscored the continuity between the intimate subway station swearing‑in and the jubilant public celebration.
Jan 01, 2026 at 01:09 PM EST
Mamdani’s parents witness historic swearing-in
Filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani stood beneath the vaulted ceilings of New York’s old City Hall subway station early Thursday morning to watch their son, Zohran Mamdani, sworn in as mayor. The private ceremony, held just after midnight, marked a historic moment for the family in the city where they raised him.
Nair, recalling her early years in New York in the 1980s, said she has long empathized with struggling residents trying to find their way. Now, she and her husband are following their son through a week of celebrations, including a public inauguration at City Hall and a block party on Broadway.
The couple, who have built international careers in film and academia, plan to cap the festivities with a family dinner alongside Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji, and her parents. At 34, Mamdani is decades younger than his predecessors, making his parents’ presence at the swearing‑in a rare moment in city history.
Jan 01, 2026 at 01:06 PM EST
Supporters and skeptics gather for Mamdani’s inauguration
Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration as New York City’s mayor drew a crowd that reflected both his political base and the city’s broader establishment. Among the most visible supporters were actresses and activists Cynthia Nixon and Susan Sarandon, along with former congressman Jamaal Bowman, all of whom backed Mamdani’s insurgent campaign.
Senator Chuck Schumer, the state’s senior Democrat and Senate minority leader, is also expected to attend.
Jan 01, 2026 at 01:03 PM EST
Muslim community gathers in prayer ahead of Mamdani’s inauguration
In the moments leading up to Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration as New York City’s mayor, members of the city’s Muslim community gathered at the Islamic Center of New York City in Lower Manhattan to pray.
Aside from this, supporters have gathered to watch the ceremony unfold.
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Jan 01, 2026 at 01:00 PM EST
Inauguration of Zohran Mamdani starts now
Following his private swearing-in at midnight, Zohran Mamdani's public ceremony is starting right now at City Hall.
The event is expected to have drawn in around 40,000 people.
Jan 01, 2026 at 12:57 PM EST
Confusion over Mamdani’s place in NYC’s mayoral history
Zohran Mamdani’s swearing‑in as New York City’s mayor has revived a centuries‑old debate: is he the city’s 111th mayor, or its 112th?
The uncertainty stems from an arcane numbering system that counts mayors with nonconsecutive terms twice, combined with a long‑misplaced record known as the Minutes of the Mayor’s Court. When compilers of the city’s official Green Book overlooked a second term served by Matthias Nicolls in the 1670s, they mistakenly numbered his successor, William Dervall, as the eighth mayor. Every mayor since has been miscounted by one.
The error was uncovered in the 1980s, when historians rediscovered the missing record and corrected the tally, but the adjustment was never adopted officially. As a result, Mamdani’s predecessor, Eric Adams, was listed as either the 110th or 111th mayor, leaving Mamdani’s own designation unsettled.
The discrepancy was recently flagged again by amateur historian Paul Hortenstine, ensuring that the debate over New York’s mayoral numbering will continue even as Mamdani begins his term.
Jan 01, 2026 at 12:40 PM EST
WATCH: Zohran Mamdani sworn in as mayor of New York
Jan 01, 2026 at 12:27 PM EST
Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York City’s first Muslim mayor
Zohran Mamdani, 34, was officially sworn in as mayor of New York City in the first moments of New Year’s Day, becoming the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian leader. The ceremony took place underground in the long‑shuttered City Hall subway station, a symbolic setting for a politician who has championed public transit and affordability.
Attorney General Letitia James administered the oath as Mamdani placed his hand on two Qurans, one belonging to his grandfather and another once owned by historian Arturo Schomburg. The intimate gathering of about 20 people included his wife, Rama Duwaji, and his parents, filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani.
The swearing‑in capped a rapid rise from state assembly member to mayor, propelled by Mamdani’s populist message and social media savvy. Later Thursday, he will take part in a larger public inauguration at City Hall, where Senator Bernie Sanders will administer a ceremonial oath and Representative Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez will deliver opening remarks.
Mamdani enters office with ambitious promises, including universal child care, rent freezes, and free city buses—initiatives estimated to cost billions annually. His leadership will be tested as he confronts skepticism from some communities and the challenges of managing the nation’s largest municipal workforce.
Jan 01, 2026 at 12:12 PM EST
Who is Zohran Mamdani’s wife, Rama Duwaji?
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Rama Duwaji, the 28‑year‑old wife of newly sworn‑in New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, is stepping into public life on her own terms. Unlike many mayoral spouses, Duwaji avoided the campaign spotlight, focusing instead on her work as an artist whose illustrations highlight Middle Eastern women and the Palestinian cause.
Born in Houston to Syrian parents and raised partly in Dubai, Duwaji studied art in Qatar and Virginia before earning a master’s degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York. Her work has appeared in outlets including Vogue, The Cut and The New Yorker.
She and Mamdani met in 2021 through a dating app and married in early 2025, just months before his mayoral campaign began. While she has declined interviews, Duwaji has quietly shaped Mamdani’s political brand, advising on campaign iconography and social media strategy.
Now, as the youngest first lady in the city’s history and the first from Generation Z, Duwaji’s role remains undefined. But her presence signals a new chapter for City Hall, one that blends art, activism and the evolving identity of New York’s leadership.
Jan 01, 2026 at 11:59 AM EST
Who is in Zohran Mamdani’s administration?
Zohran Mamdani has assembled a diverse team of veteran officials and progressive allies to lead New York City. His administration blends experienced hands from past mayoralties with newcomers aligned with his political vision.
Top appointments include:
- Dean Fuleihan – First Deputy Mayor
- Elle Bisgaard-Church – Chief of Staff
- Leila Bozorg – Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning
- Julie Su – Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice
- Helen Arteaga – Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services
- Julia Kerson – Deputy Mayor for Operations
- Jessica Tisch – NYPD Commissioner
- Lillian Bonsignore – Fire Commissioner
- Kamar Samuels – Schools Chancellor
- Sherif Soliman – Budget Director
- Jahmila Edwards – Director of Intergovernmental Affairs
- Steven Banks – Corporation Counsel (pending Council confirmation)
- Sam Levine – Commissioner, Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
- Mitchell Katz – President and CEO, NYC Health + Hospitals (pending board approval)
- Ramzi Kassem – Chief Counsel
- Louise Yeung – Chief Climate Officer
- Jason Graham – Chief Medical Examiner
- Michael Garner – Chief Business Diversity Officer
- Mir Bashar – Chief Administrative Officer
- Emmy Liss – Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Child Care
- Ahmed Tigani
Jan 01, 2026 at 11:53 AM EST
Zohran Mamdani block party: What we know
Zohran Mamdani, 34, will be publicly sworn in as New York City’s mayor on New Year’s Day at 1 p.m. outside City Hall. Senator Bernie Sanders, a longtime political ally, will administer the oath, while Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is scheduled to deliver remarks.
The ceremony will be followed by a large block party along Broadway’s “Canyon of Heroes,” where thousands of New Yorkers are expected to celebrate the new administration. Mamdani called the event “a celebration of the movement we built, the mandate we won, and the city we are prepared to lead.”
The mayor, who shocked the city with his primary and general election victories, was already sworn in during a private midnight ceremony at the Old City Hall subway station, joined by family members and Attorney General Letitia James.
Jan 01, 2026 at 11:48 AM EST
Mamdani will be first NYC mayor to use Quran at swearing-in
Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration as New York City’s mayor marked a historic first, as he placed his hand on the Quran during his swearing‑in ceremony shortly after midnight Thursday. Mamdani, who is South Asian, Muslim, and a millennial, represents demographics never before seen in the city’s top office.
One of the Qurans belonged to his grandfather, while another was once owned by Arturo Schomburg, the Afro‑Latino writer and historian whose work shaped the Harlem Renaissance. The New York Public Library lent Schomburg’s Quran for the occasion, underscoring the city’s diverse cultural and religious heritage.
For a separate public ceremony at City Hall, Mamdani will again use family Qurans, including one from his grandmother. Library curator Hiba Abid described the choice as symbolic of faith, identity, and New York’s history.
Mamdani joins a small group of U.S. officials who have used the Quran for their oath of office, including Keith Ellison and Ilhan Omar. His decision highlights the growing visibility of Muslim communities in New York politics and reflects what advisers called a “turning point” in the city’s civic life.
Jan 01, 2026 at 11:44 AM EST
How to watch Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony?
Zohran Mamdani’s public inauguration as New York City’s mayor will begin at 1 p.m. Eastern on Thursday at City Hall. The ceremony is expected to run for more than an hour and marks his formal introduction to the city as its new leader.
The Times will stream live video coverage beginning just before the event, with reporters providing updates and analysis throughout. The broadcast will allow viewers to follow the proceedings as Mamdani delivers his first major address since taking office.
Jan 01, 2026 at 11:40 AM EST
What time will Mamdani be sworn in?
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Zohran Mamdani will be formally sworn in as New York City’s mayor in a public ceremony at City Hall at 1 p.m. Eastern on Thursday. U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, a longtime political inspiration for Mamdani, will administer the oath.
The event will be followed by a large block party along Broadway’s “Canyon of Heroes,” the storied stretch known for hosting ticker‑tape parades. Mamdani’s office has billed the celebration as a chance for New Yorkers to gather in support of the city’s new leadership.
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