AOC, Sanders Set for Prominent Roles at Mamdani’s New York City Inauguration

NEW YORK — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders will have leading roles in the inauguration of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on Jan. 1, according to the mayor-elect’s transition team.

Ocasio-Cortez is expected to deliver opening remarks, while Sanders will administer the oath of office during a ceremony planned for Broadway. The event will break with tradition by replacing the usual invitation-only gathering at City Hall Plaza with a public celebration designed to accommodate large crowds.

I’m proud to be swearing in @ZohranKMamdani as Mayor of New York on January 1.

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.

Best of luck to the new mayor.

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) December 30, 2025

Organizers said the inauguration will include viewing areas for tens of thousands of people and will be followed by a block-party-style gathering along the Canyon of Heroes.

Mamdani, who will become the city’s first Muslim mayor, received campaign support from both lawmakers. In statements released by his team, Mamdani praised Ocasio-Cortez as a leading voice for working-class New Yorkers and said Sanders’ participation reflects shared priorities around affordability and economic justice.

Sanders said the choice of location, near a major subway station, was intended to highlight the role public transit plays in connecting New Yorkers from all backgrounds, calling it a symbol of shared civic life.

Mamdani’s inauguration comes as he continues to face criticism over his positions on Israel and the war in Gaza. He has been sharply critical of Israel’s government, including remarks made shortly after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, and has declined to disavow the phrase “globalize the intifada.” He has also said he would seek to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit New York.

Ocasio-Cortez has repeatedly accused Israel of human rights violations and has supported efforts to restrict U.S. military aid. Sanders has likewise escalated his criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and has sponsored Senate measures aimed at halting U.S. arms transfers, all of which have failed.

Despite the controversy, Mamdani’s team said the inauguration is intended to emphasize openness and public participation as the new administration takes office.