New Leadership Takes Center Stage in New York City’s Inauguration

New York, United States – New York City ushered in a vibrant celebration on Thursday as Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as the city’s new mayor. In a festive atmosphere marked by chants of “tax the rich”, a seven-block-long public celebration captured the essence of the occasion, highlighting the shift in leadership as the city enters a new year.

Typically, political inaugurations are somber events. However, Mamdani turned tradition on its head, embracing an exuberant approach that resonated with the energy of his campaign.

Festive Beginnings at Midnight

The inauguration festivities commenced just after midnight. As the iconic ball dropped in Times Square to welcome 2026, Mamdani took his oath in a modest ceremony located on the steps of the historic New York City Hall subway station.

Administered by New York State Attorney General Letitia James, Mamdani’s swearing-in took place beside his wife, Rama Duwaji, on a staircase within the transit hub, which has remained closed to passengers since 1945. He honored tradition by using a historic Quran borrowed from the New York Public Library, complemented by another that belonged to his grandfather.

A Popular Public Celebration

The public celebration unfolded on New Year’s Day, as Mamdani repeated his oath on the steps of City Hall to a crowd that spilled into the plaza and surrounding streets. Despite the chilly temperatures, tens of thousands of supporters flocked to Lower Manhattan, eager to witness the new mayor assume office alongside city leaders like Comptroller Mark Levine and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

Prominent national figures such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders also took the stage, emphasizing the aspirations of the progressive movement in both New York and across the nation.

“The most important lesson that can be learned today is that when working people stand together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish,” Sanders declared during his speech.

While a select group was allowed inside the City Hall grounds, a seven-block public block party invited everyone to participate—shifting away from the typical ticketed inauguration format. Those who braved the cold and heavy winds after a night of snowfall were rewarded with glimpses of the historic event, streaming on large monitors set up throughout the area.

Supporters mentioned waiting in line for hours, with many unable to enter before the ceremony began. Although cheers and celebrations echoed, some protesters remained outside the barricades, conveying a mix of sentiments.

This open celebration was a conscious effort to connect with New Yorkers who often feel excluded from the political sphere, as Democratic strategist Nomiki Konst noted.

“It was a way to reach out to those who have traditionally been left out of the political process,” she shared.

A Unified Message of Affordability

Mamdani, along with Williams and Levine, spoke about unity in their remarks, delivering messages in multiple languages and sharing the stage with leaders from diverse faiths including Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

“I am proud to live in a city where unity can be witnessed in such diverse forms,” Levine expressed after his oath.

Mamdani reiterated this message, asserting, “We will create a sense of belonging for all New Yorkers. Our administration will embrace a collective spirit instead of fostering individualism.”

A recurring theme highlighted by Mamdani and other leaders was the pressing need for the wealthiest residents to contribute more through higher taxes. Mamdani proposed raising New York City’s corporate tax rate from 7.25 percent to 11.5 percent – aligning it with neighboring New Jersey, and implementing a 2 percent tax increase for individuals earning over $1 million annually, pending state approval.

“This movement represents a diverse array of voices, from taxi drivers and warehouse workers to regular folks participating in community gatherings. Our city holds power in every corner, and no voice is insignificant,” Mamdani asserted.

Central to Mamdani’s affordability agenda is a commitment to housing policy reform, particularly a pledge to freeze rent increases on rent-stabilized apartments, which make up about half of the city’s rental housing.

“We will ensure that those living in rent-stabilized homes can rest easy, as we work to halt rent hikes,” Mamdani stated.

Within hours of assuming office, Mamdani introduced a series of executive orders focused on housing policy, emphasizing swift action on pressing issues. He announced the formation of two new city task forces aimed at evaluating publicly owned land available for housing and exploring development opportunities.

“The housing crisis is at the forefront of our mission to improve affordability. Our focus will be on protecting tenants from unfair practices, holding rogue landlords accountable, and increasing the availability of affordable housing throughout the city,” Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning Leila Bozorg explained.

“With the right political commitment and resources, we can implement solutions to these pressing issues, and that’s precisely what Mamdani intends to do.”