On New Year’s Day 2026, a historic moment will unfold in New York City as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) swears in Zohran Mamdani (D) as the city’s new mayor.
Swearing-In Ceremony
A public ceremony will take place on January 1, 2026, and Mamdani’s term will officially begin at 12:01 a.m. The event will mark the start of a new chapter for the city’s more than 8 million residents.
Choosing Sanders
Mamdani could select any official authorized to notarize a legal document to administer the oath, and he chose Sanders. Sanders is an independent who identifies as a democratic socialist and has previously endorsed and campaigned with the mayor-elect.
Sanders’ Past Role
In January 2018, Sanders administered former New York Mayor Bill de Blasio’s (D) oath of office at the beginning of de Blasio’s second term. That experience positioned him as a familiar figure in the city’s political traditions.
Praise for Mamdani
When endorsing Mamdani in June, Sanders praised him for running an “inspirational” campaign and for being a “visionary” leader. The endorsement highlighted the alignment of their shared priorities.
Mamdani’s Platform
Mamdani campaigned on a platform focused on making New York more affordable for its residents. His proposals include:
- City-owned grocery stores to lower food prices
- Freezing rents on nearly 1 million rent-stabilized apartments
- Making New York City’s buses free
These measures aim to address the city’s housing and transportation challenges.
Term Commencement
Mamdani’s official term begins precisely at 12:01 a.m. on New Year’s Day, following the oath administered by Sanders.
Election Results
In the recent mayoral election, Mamdani defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) with 50.8 percent of the vote compared to Cuomo’s 41.3 percent.
Vote Milestone
More than 1.1 million New Yorkers voted for Mamdani, making him the first mayoral candidate to win more than 1 million votes across the Big Apple since 1969.
Key Takeaways
- Sen. Bernie Sanders will administer the oath to Zohran Mamdani on January 1, 2026.
- Mamdani’s platform centers on affordability, free buses, and city-owned grocery stores.
- The election marked a historic vote count, with over 1.1 million ballots for the new mayor.
The swearing-in ceremony and Mamdani’s platform signal a renewed focus on affordability and public service for New York City’s residents.
