Zohran Mamdani, sworn in as New York city’s youngest mayor in a century, takes oath on the Quran, here’s what Bernie Sanders said ahead of the inauguration

New York City ushered in a new era of leadership on Thursday, Jan. 1, when Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the city’s next mayor, a milestone moment marked by history and symbolism. At just 34 years old, Mamdani became the youngest mayor New York has seen in more than 100 years. He also made history as the city’s first Muslim mayor and the first mayor of South Asian descent to lead America’s largest city.

In another unprecedented first, Mamdani took his oath of office with his hand placed on two Qurans, including one that is centuries old. The initial swearing-in ceremony took place shortly after midnight in a subdued, underground setting, with New York State Attorney General Letitia James administering the oath as the new year began.

A second, more public ceremony followed later in the day.

Bernie Sanders' message to Zohran Mamdani

Vermont senator Bernie Sanders issued a strong message of support for incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani ahead of his inauguration, praising the campaign as a victory for working-class voters and a challenge to political and economic elites.


“I’m proud to be swearing in @ZohranKMamdani as Mayor of New York on January 1,” Sanders wrote in a post on X. “Zohran and his supporters showed the world that when working people stand together, we can defeat the Democratic and Republican establishments, Trump and the oligarchs.”

Sanders, who administered Mamdani’s public oath later in the day, framed the mayor-elect’s victory as part of a broader progressive movement reshaping American politics.

Who is Bernie Sanders?

Bernie Sanders is a US senator from Vermont and one of the most prominent progressive voices in American politics. Born in Brooklyn in 1941, he has served in Congress, first in the House and later in the Senate. An independent who caucuses with Democrats, Sanders is known for advocating universal healthcare, workers’ rights and economic equality.