Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will deliver opening remarks at Zohran Mamdani’s Jan. 1 inauguration, while Senator Bernie Sanders will administer the oath at the Old City Hall subway station. Mamdani plans to replace the traditional ticketed ceremony with a public block party on Broadway and viewing areas for tens of thousands. The incoming mayor, who will be New York City’s first Muslim mayor, campaigned on affordability measures but faced criticism over comments related to Israel and other policy proposals.
AOC To Deliver Opening Remarks At Zohran Mamdani’s Inauguration; Bernie Sanders To Administer Oath At Old City Hall
Then-New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) react on stage during a "New York is Not For Sale" rally at Forest Hills Stadium, in the Queens borough of New York City, Oct. 26, 2025.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) will give the opening remarks at New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration on Jan. 1, the mayoral transition team announced Tuesday.
According to the transition team, Ocasio-Cortez’s participation highlights the leaders behind the movement to "usher in a new era for New York City — one focused on delivering an affordability agenda and reimagining what government can do for working people."
The team said Mamdani’s swearing-in will depart from recent tradition. Historically, the ceremony took place in City Hall Plaza for roughly 4,000 ticketed guests. This year, Mamdani plans a public block party on Broadway along the historic Canyon of Heroes with dedicated viewing areas that the transition team says will accommodate tens of thousands of residents.
Zohran Mamdani smiles at a crowd while giving a speech.
Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who campaigned with Mamdani, is set to administer the oath of office at the Old City Hall subway station. In a statement, Sanders called the subway "the lifeblood of our city" and said the location symbolizes New York’s diversity and shared daily life.
"For the many New Yorkers who have long felt betrayed by a broken status quo, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez embodies a new kind of politics that puts working people at the heart of it," Mamdani said, praising Ocasio-Cortez as a longtime partner in his campaign and transition.
Attendance And Context
The transition team indicated New York Attorney General Letitia James will attend. There was no mention of Governor Kathy Hochul in the transition announcement.
Campaign, Platform And Controversy
Mamdani, who will become New York City’s first Muslim mayor, surprised many by defeating former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the June Democratic primary and again in the November general election after Cuomo ran as an independent. His campaign emphasized affordability, proposing measures such as free transit and child care, rent freezes and higher taxes on corporations.
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani speaks during a press conference in New York City, Dec. 20, 2025.
During the campaign Mamdani faced criticism over policy proposals and comments about Israel — including his refusal to expressly reject the phrase "globalize the intifada," which critics say can be interpreted as endorsing violence. The transition team and other offices did not immediately provide additional comment when contacted.
Separately, Tesla CEO Elon Musk publicly warned that Mamdani’s FDNY commissioner pick, Lillian Bonsignore, could put lives at risk — a comment that drew attention in the wider public conversation about the incoming administration.
Fox News Digital reported it reached out to Mamdani’s transition team, and the offices of Ocasio-Cortez, Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul for comment.
