New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani vows to govern 'audaciously' | Live updates

Last updated: Friday, January 2, 2026 4:24AM GMT

Mamdani vows to maintain bold agenda, fight for all New Yorkers

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Zohran Mamdani was officially sworn in as mayor of New York City just after midnight Thursday, but politicians and other supporters are gathered later in the day at City Hall for a larger ceremony.

Mamdani is the city's first Muslim mayor, its first of South Asian descent and the first to be born in Africa. At 34, he is also the city's youngest mayor since the late 19th century.

The democratic socialist takes office after an historic campaign made "affordability" a national buzzword across the political spectrum.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders administered the public ceremonial oath of office to Mamdani at today's event, broadcast on Channel 7 and streaming on ABC 7 New York.

Jan 01, 2026, 10:30 PM GMT

Crowds brave the cold for the inauguration

Phil Taitt reports from Lower Manhattan.

A supporter arrives to the City Hall before Zohran Mamdani's inauguration on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

People wait in the cold near City Hall before Zohran Mamdani's inauguration as mayor on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

People wait in the cold outside the City Hall before Zohran Mamdani's inauguration on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Jan 01, 2026, 5:34 PM GMT

Jan 01, 2026, 5:24 PM GMT

Attendees arrive at City Hall

Hundreds of people have arrived at City Hall ahead of the inauguration at 1:00 p.m.

Jan 01, 2026, 5:16 PM GMT

Inauguration to feature celebrity appearances

Among the celebrities participating in today's inauguration is Grammy winner Lucy Dacus, who will sing "Bread and Roses," a early 20th century labor movement song embraced by the Democratic Socialists of America.

Actor and singer Mandy Patinkin will perform "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with the P.S. 22 Chorus of Staten Island. Patankin is a vocal Jewish Mamdani supporter who made a Hanukkah video with Mamdani at his home.

Singer Babbu, aka "Babbulicious," will perform "Gaddi Red Challenger." He is an influencer, comedian, artist, designer and children's book author. He is best known for his YouTube videos with Jasmeet Singh,

National Book Award finalist Cornelius Eady will recite his poem "Proof," written for the inauguration, described as a public poem, a tribute to "people that you don't see."