Bill de Blasio brings new girlfriend to Mamdani inauguration - then sits with wife

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration on January 1 was meant to mark the beginning of a new political era for New York City, but for many in attendance, the real drama unfolded in the seating arrangements. Former Mayor Bill de Blasio managed to steal the spotlight, not with a speech, but with his complicated love life on full display.

The 64-year-old ex-mayor arrived at City Hall accompanied by his new girlfriend, South Tucson Mayor Roxanna Valenzuela, only to later take a seat next to his still-estranged wife, Chirlane McCray, leaving more than a few onlookers confused and whispering.

Bill de Blasio arrives with Roxanna Valenzuela but sits with Chirlane McCray

De Blasio was seen walking into the inauguration with Valenzuela, a Democratic mayor from Arizona and a mother of two, introducing her to a staffer from Mamdani’s team before heading inside City Hall. 

Moments later, however, the former New York City mayor made his way to his assigned seat, directly beside McCray, the woman he spent nearly 30 years married to and with whom he shares two adult children.

Valenzuela, meanwhile, was nowhere to be seen in the seating area, raising eyebrows among attendees who noticed the abrupt separation.

Adding another layer to the awkward tableau, former Mayor Eric Adams was also seated next to McCray, making the front-row optics even more striking.

A tangled timeline of romances and political allies

De Blasio and McCray publicly announced their separation in July 2023, explaining at the time that while they still loved each other deeply, they were no longer feeling 'lovey dovey.' The pair emphasized their desire to remain partners and co-parents, even as they moved forward separately.

Since then, de Blasio’s romantic life has played out largely in public view. Earlier this year, he confirmed he was dating progressive activist Nomiki Konst, then 41, telling The New York Post that they shared political values and a fondness for 'cuddling.'

He even revealed plans to spend Valentine’s Day with her sipping wine and snuggling - a relationship that fizzled out just months later.

When de Blasio began seeing Valenzuela, Konst was reportedly still in the picture and notably, she was also present at Mamdani's inauguration, quietly observing the ceremony that became an unexpected showcase of overlapping personal histories.

Political pageantry meets personal optics

While Mamdani’s swearing-in was billed as a celebratory 'Inauguration for a New Era,' de Blasio’s presence underscored how personal drama often shadows public life in New York politics. 

The former mayor, long criticized for his political missteps and strained relationships, appeared unfazed by the unusual seating arrangement or the murmurs it caused.

McCray, for her part, remained composed throughout the ceremony, engaging politely with those seated nearby as Mamdani officially took the oath of office.