Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont is now reportedly set to administer the oath of office to fellow democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani when the 34-year-old officially takes over as New York City’s mayor on January 1, a symbolic moment underscoring the ideological direction of the city’s new leadership.
According to The Hill, a person familiar with the plan confirmed that Mamdani personally selected Sanders to swear him in. The choice reflects their close political alignment, as Sanders not only endorsed Mamdani’s mayoral campaign but also appeared alongside him on the trail in support of his bid.
While Sanders is technically registered as an Independent, he has long identified as a democratic socialist, a label Mamdani openly embraces. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, who also identifies as a democratic socialist, similarly backed Mamdani’s run, helping propel him to victory in a race that has drawn national attention.
For critics, the image of Sanders swearing in Mamdani will serve as a clear signal of the ideological shift taking place in America’s largest city. Supporters, meanwhile, see the moment as a celebration of a movement that has steadily gained influence within the Democratic Party, particularly in deep-blue urban strongholds like New York City.
The development comes amid an unexpected twist following Mamdani’s election. Despite sharp ideological differences and heated rhetoric during the campaign, President Donald Trump invited Mamdani to the Oval Office after his victory. The meeting surprised many observers and was described by some as an unlikely “lovefest,” with both leaders publicly expressing a willingness to work together for the benefit of New York.
The meeting stood in contrast to the usual partisan hostility surrounding democratic socialist politics, especially at the national level. Trump’s willingness to engage Mamdani directly marked a rare moment of pragmatism following a high-profile election in a city often at odds with Republican leadership in Washington.
Mamdani spoke positively about the meeting afterward, emphasizing what he described as common ground rather than conflict. “What I really appreciate about the president is that the meeting that we had focused not on places of disagreement, which there are many,” Mamdani told reporters, “and also focused on the shared purpose that we have in serving New Yorkers.”
He went on to frame that cooperation as essential to addressing economic challenges facing the city. Mamdani said the discussion centered on improving conditions for residents struggling with the cost of living, noting that millions of New Yorkers face financial hardship. He described the situation as a crisis, with one in four residents living in poverty, and suggested that cooperation across political lines could lead to meaningful change.
The contrast between Mamdani’s embrace by figures like Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez and his outreach to Trump highlights the unusual political moment surrounding his ascent to City Hall. On one hand, he is being elevated by some of the most prominent democratic socialists in the country. On the other, he has signaled openness to working with a Republican president who has often clashed with progressive leaders in New York.
As January 1 approaches, the decision to have Sanders swear him in will likely be viewed as a statement of values by Mamdani, reinforcing his ideological roots even as he pledges to govern a city facing deep economic and social challenges. The ceremony is expected to draw national attention, serving as both a political milestone and a reminder of how far democratic socialism has advanced in New York City politics.
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