Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will deliver the opening remarks at the inauguration ceremony of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on January 1, according to an announcement from the mayoral transition team on Tuesday.
Senator Bernie Sanders is set to administer the oath of office, swearing in Mamdani as New York City’s next mayor. The ceremony will also feature remarks from state and city leaders, including New York Attorney General Letitia James.
In a statement, Mamdani said Ocasio-Cortez has been a “partner” throughout his campaign and transition process, calling her presence at the ceremony “an honor.”
The inauguration will take place at City Hall Plaza, a traditional venue that can accommodate about 4,000 ticketed guests. For the first time, the event will be followed by a large public block party along Broadway’s Canyon of Heroes, offering viewing areas for tens of thousands of New Yorkers.
The block party, billed as the “2026 Inauguration Block Party,” will be free and open to the public, though RSVPs are required due to space limitations. Attendees can register or access livestream details through the event website at www.transition2025.com/inauguration.
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.
