Thousands of New Yorkers braved freezing temperatures and long lines on New Year's day 2026 to welcome Zohran Mamdani in as the city's first Muslim mayor on Thursday, as he promised to deliver on his left-wing agenda that tapped into deep economic fustration in the US's biggest city.
"They want to know if the left can govern. They want to know if the struggles that afflict them can be solved," Mamdani said outside City Hall.
"We will do something that New Yorkers do better than anyone else: we will set an example for the world," he added in a 24-minute speech.
New York's City Hall and Broadway in Lower Manhattan were awash with blue and yellow Zohran beanie hats, while 90's R&B music blared from speakers. Many attendees were clutching hand-warmers alongside Palestinian keffiyehs. Some held back sniffles as they endured the cold temperatures.
New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch
