Zohran Mamdani was inaugurated as the 112th Mayor of New York City on Thursday at City Hall Park. The 34-year-old democratic socialist subsequently began his term by signing multiple executive orders addressing housing and city administration. On his first full day in office on Friday, January 2, 2026, he engaged with the public during a subway commute.
Inauguration Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony for Mayor Zohran Mamdani was held on Thursday at City Hall Park under cold weather conditions. Senator Bernie Sanders administered the oath of office. Attendees included campaign volunteers, former city officials, and various public figures.
Among those present was Kuber Sancho-Persad, a taxi industry advocate who met Mamdani during a 2021 hunger strike for taxi medallion debt relief. Sancho-Persad, whose father died in 2017 with significant medallion debt, is working to transfer his late father's medallion.
Sancho-Persad expressed his hope to earn a living as an independent cab owner.
Mayor Mamdani arrived at the inauguration in a yellow cab driven by Richard Chow, another participant in the hunger strike.
Andrew Epstein, Mamdani’s first campaign spokesperson since October 2024, observed the ceremony with his family. Epstein stated that the campaign reflected New Yorkers' desire to remain in the city. Former City Comptroller Brad Lander engaged with his successor Mark Levine and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, noting remarks by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Mamdani's affordability agenda. Dena Cox, a city health program manager and campaign field lead, also highlighted Williams' speech, which referenced Maurice Bishop and socialism in the Caribbean, and Mamdani's expressed affection for New York.
Former Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa attended the event, interacting with Mamdani supporters. Sliwa expressed his support for the new mayor's success, stating it benefits the city. He arrived at City Hall plaza after participating in the Polar Bear Plunge in Coney Island, but missed portions of the ceremony due to extensive security lines.
Early Administrative Actions and Policy Announcements
On his first day in office, Thursday, Mayor Mamdani signed five executive orders. Three of these focused on addressing the city's housing challenges.
Key executive actions included:
- Revoking all executive orders issued by former Mayor Eric Adams, a decision made the day after Adams' federal indictment.
- Establishing a reduction in deputy mayoral positions to five, fewer than during the Adams administration.
- Confirming the retention of the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism.
- Reviving the Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants, intended to coordinate tenant rights defense, address landlord issues, and ensure city agencies assist renters.
- Establishing two task forces dedicated to accelerating housing development across the city.
Following his inauguration, Mayor Mamdani visited a Brooklyn apartment building to address a tenants' union. He pledged to intensify legal actions against a landlord accused of negligence, aligning with his campaign platform emphasizing affordable rent for New Yorkers.
Executive Order Revisions and Responses
Among the revoked orders from former Mayor Adams were two concerning Israel: one that had adopted a specific definition of antisemitism, including certain criticisms of Israel, and another that prohibited city agencies and employees from boycotting or divesting from the country. This action prompted criticism from some Jewish organizations.
The Israeli government posted allegations on social media that Mamdani had fueled antisemitism. In response to press inquiries on Friday, Mamdani read prepared remarks affirming his administration's commitment to combatting hate and division.
Mayor Mamdani reiterated that the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism remained operational.
First Full Day: Transit Focus and Public Engagement
On his first full day in office, Friday, January 2, 2026, Mayor Mamdani rode a W train from Astoria, Queens, to City Hall. During his commute, he engaged with passengers, took photographs, and reviewed briefing materials. An initial attempt to tap to ride the subway with his cell phone was unsuccessful, requiring him to use a different turnstile, a situation he described as "a real New York experience." He indicated a forthcoming move from Queens to Gracie Mansion.
Mayor Mamdani stated his opposition to the upcoming $3 fare hike, scheduled for the weekend, aligning with his campaign stance. He described the increase as "out of step with what New Yorkers need at this moment," reaffirmed his belief in affordable public transit, and noted his introduction of legislation in the state legislature to freeze fares. He further emphasized that the fare increase "only heightens the urgency to make buses fast and free across all five boroughs of New York City." An afternoon announcement regarding transit initiatives was anticipated at Grand Army Plaza.
The practice of new New York City mayors using public transit on their first day has been observed with previous mayors, including Eric Adams, Bill de Blasio, and Michael Bloomberg. Images of Mamdani's subway ride circulated across social media following his arrival at City Hall.