Featured Image Credit: Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Topics: Politics, US News, News, Zohran Mamdani
Lucy Devine
Topics: Politics, US News, News, Zohran Mamdani
Just before midnight on New Year's Eve, at the turn of the next year, Zohran Mamdani is set to be sworn in as New York City's new mayor.
Back in November, Mamdani claimed victory by becoming the newly elected mayor of New York.
In his winning speech, he vowed to 'wake up each morning with a singular purpose: To make this city better for you than it was the day before', adding: "New York, tonight you have delivered a mandate for change."
Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, made history with his win, becoming the Big Apple's first Muslim mayor, the first of South Asian heritage, and the first born in Africa, with his policies primarily focused on tackling economic inequality and improving affordability for everyday New Yorkers.
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Meanwhile, Mamdani's wife, Rama Duwaji, will also make history when she becomes New York's first Gen Z First Lady at 28.
With the historic inauguration just hours away, here's everything to know about the day.
As the clock strikes midnight, Mamdani will take the oath of office at the Old City Hall Station, which opened in 1904, according to Fox 5.
Attorney General Letitia James will administer the oath at the private event, in which only Mamdani's family will be present.
Mamdani chose the Old City Hall Station as the venue in which he will be sworn in.
He explained in a press release: “When Old City Hall Station first opened in 1904—one of New York’s 28 original subway stations—it was a physical monument to a city that dared to be both beautiful and build great things that would transform working peoples’ lives.
“That ambition need not be a memory confined only to our past, nor must it be isolated only to the tunnels beneath City Hall: It will be the purpose of the administration fortunate enough to serve New Yorkers from the building above.”
Earlier this month, rumours began that Mamdani will never actually become the Big Apple's 111th mayor, at least officially.
The speculation was first sparked by history buff Paul Hortenstine, who claimed that an error which occurred back in the 1600s means that Mamdani should technically be categorised as NYC's 112th mayor.
In findings that have also been affirmed by a number of Hortenstine's fellow historians, as well as several historical groups, Matthias Nicolls, the city's sixth mayor, didn't just serve in the position for a singular term.
In fact, Nicolls - whose family settled in Long Island in the 17th century and owned much of the land in this area - took on the role twice, once in 1672, and again in 1675.
As is the case with US presidents, the second term, having been broken up by another mayor, should have been counted again.
This would mean that Mamdani should actually consider himself New York's 112th mayor, not the 111th. However, it would also imply that each of his political predecessors (except for the first six) are off by one.
Later on New Year's Day, there will be what has been dubbed the 'Inauguration of a New Era', in which Mamdani will be publicly sworn in and a huge celebration will follow.
There will be a public ceremony on the steps of City Hall, where Senator Bernie Sandors will swear Mamdani into office.
“At a moment when democracy is under attack and cynicism about our politics runs deep, Zohran Mamdani represents a new generation of progressive leadership rooted in courage, integrity and solidarity,” Sanders said in a press release.
“His victory is not just about one city or one election, it is about the strength of a working class movement that says unequivocally: the future of New York belongs to the people, not the billionaire class. It is my honor to swear him in as the next mayor of New York City.”
There will then be a 'block party' which tens of thousands of New Yorkers can attend to celebrate. It's free to attend, but those who do wish to join must RSVP.
“When I take my oath from the station at the dawn of the New Year, I will do so humbled by the opportunity to lead millions of New Yorkers into a new era of opportunity, and honored to carry forward our city’s legacy of greatness,” said Mamdani.