Bernie Sanders Swears in Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s First Democratic Socialist Mayor Without Iconic Mittens
NEW YORK, N.Y. — On January 1, 2026, Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., administered the oath of office to Zohran Mamdani, who became New York City’s 112th mayor and its first self-identified democratic socialist to hold the position. The ceremony, held outside City Hall, marked a notable visual departure for Sanders, who famously wore distinctive handmade mittens during President Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration. This time, the senator appeared without them, signaling a new chapter as he swore in a rising progressive star.
Mamdani, who delivered his inaugural address shortly after the oath, embraced his democratic socialist identity, stating, “I was elected as a democratic socialist, and I will govern as a democratic socialist.” He pledged to pursue an ambitious agenda, including freezing rents for stabilized apartments, providing universal childcare, instituting free bus transportation, and increasing taxes on wealthy New Yorkers. These policies aim to reshape City Hall’s approach, with Mamdani promising to “govern expansively and audaciously.”
Sanders, known for his long-standing advocacy of progressive causes, offered a robust defense of Mamdani’s platform during a pre-oath speech. He framed the mayor’s victory as a rejection of entrenched political establishments, praising volunteers who “took on the Democratic establishment, the Republican establishment, the president of the United States and some enormously wealthy oligarchs.” Sanders emphasized that proposals often labeled “radical” or “communistic” — such as affordable housing and free childcare — are, in fact, necessary in “the richest country in the history of the world.”
The inauguration drew a crowd of supporters and prominent progressive figures, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The ceremony also featured a performance of the socialist anthem “Bread and Roses” by Lucy Dacus, during which Sanders was seen sitting patiently, a subtle nod to his characteristic demeanor.
Sanders’ absence of the mittens that made him a viral sensation in 2021 was widely noted. Those mittens, handmade and distinctive, became an emblem of his down-to-earth style and were widely circulated across social media platforms, spawning memes and merchandise. This time, however, the focus was squarely on the political significance of Mamdani’s inauguration and the progressive wave it represents.
Zohran Mamdani’s swearing-in also marked a historic moment as he became the first New York City mayor to be sworn in on a Quran, underscoring the city’s diversity and Mamdani’s commitment to inclusive governance.
As Mamdani begins his tenure, questions linger about the future of New York City and the broader Democratic Party. His bold policy proposals and socialist orientation have sparked both enthusiasm and skepticism, reflecting the complex political landscape of the nation’s largest city.
For more details on the inauguration and political context, see the official New York City government site, coverage from the United States Congress, and insights from the Democratic National Committee. For background on Bernie Sanders’ political career and progressive policies, visit the Senator Bernie Sanders official website.
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