Mamdani calls Bernie Sanders the ‘man whose leadership I seek to emulate’ as he takes office

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s first Muslim mayor after taking his oath on the Quran inside a decommissioned subway station on Thursday, January 1.

Mamdani, who officially became the city’s 112th mayor just after midnight, used his inaugural address to outline a leadership style inspired by Senator Bernie Sanders, who also administered the oath of office.

Mamdani aims to emulate the leadership of Bernie Sanders

Following the formal proceedings, Mamdani turned his attention to the Vermont senator, expressing deep admiration for his political journey and values.

“Thank you to the man whose leadership I seek most to emulate, who I am so grateful to be sworn in by today, Senator Bernie Sanders,” Mamdani said during his speech.

The moment underscored a long-standing ideological alignment between the two leaders. Sanders later addressed the crowd and led chants of “Tax the rich,” reinforcing the progressive economic vision Mamdani signaled for his administration.

During his inaugural address, Mamdani also sought to strike a unifying tone following a hard-fought election cycle.

“I promise you this: if you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor,” he said. “Regardless of whether we agree, I will protect you, celebrate with you, mourn alongside you, and never, not for a second, hide from you.”

Sanders echoed that message, saying, “Demanding that the wealthy and large corporations start paying their fair share of taxes is not radical. It is exactly the right thing to do.”

Mamdani honored the leaders and people who supported him

Despite political differences, Mamdani acknowledged outgoing Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul, recognizing Adams’s journey from Brownsville to City Hall as a meaningful milestone.

He also praised Representatives Nydia Velázquez and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, crediting them with helping pave the way for a new generation of progressive leadership in New York. 

Mamdani went on to thank the teams that supported his rise to office, saying, “Thank you to my teams: from the assembly, to the campaign, to the transition, and now the team I am so excited to lead from City Hall.”

He added that he remained grateful to labor leaders, activists, and elected officials who, he said, would continue fighting for New Yorkers beyond the ceremony.

Mamdani makes history with midnight oath on the Quran

The 34-year-old democratic socialist officially became New York City’s 112th mayor shortly after the New Year began. He was sworn in by New York State Attorney General Letitia James during a ceremony held beneath City Hall Park in a decommissioned subway station.

He was joined by his wife, Rama Duwaji, and close family members, including his mother, filmmaker Mira Nair, and his father, academic Mahmood Mamdani.

According to The New York Times, Mamdani made history by becoming the first mayor of New York City to be sworn in using the Quran.