Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will take the Oath of Office just before midnight on January 1, 2026, in a historic and deeply symbolic ceremony held inside Old City Hall Station — one of the city’s original 1904 subway stations.
Attorney General Letitia James will administer the oath in a private ceremony attended by Mamdani’s family, ahead of a daylong celebration set to welcome his administration into office. According to the transition team, the choice of venue reflects Mamdani’s commitment to New York’s working people and the public infrastructure that keeps the city running.
“When Old City Hall Station first opened in 1904…it was a monument to a city that dared to build great things that would transform working peoples’ lives,” Mamdani said in a statement. “When I take my oath from the station at the dawn of the New Year, I will do so humbled by the opportunity to lead millions of New Yorkers into a new era of opportunity.”
James, who has long been a political ally, called it an honor to administer the oath, while praising Mamdani’s “deep-rooted belief in a just, inclusive, and equitable New York.”
Following the private swearing-in, Mamdani will host a large public ceremony titled “Inauguration of a New Era” on the steps of City Hall, followed by an inaugural block party open to all New Yorkers.
In a break from tradition, this year’s event will go beyond the usual invitation-only format for about 4,000 guests. Tens of thousands of residents are expected to gather along Broadway’s historic Canyon of Heroes, where viewing areas will be set up for the citywide celebration. The event aims to make the inauguration a shared moment for the entire city.
Senator Bernie Sanders, a longtime mentor and one of Mamdani’s inspirations, will administer the oath at the public ceremony. Sanders, whose progressive values helped shape Mamdani’s political outlook, is expected to headline the proceedings alongside Attorney General James.
City officials say the day will serve as both a celebration and a symbolic handover of power to a new generation of leadership focused on equity, inclusion, and community-driven governance.
Coverage of the midnight ceremony at Old City Hall Station will be pooled due to space limitations, officials said.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
