Adams undecided about attending Mamdani’s inauguration; de Blasio confirmed as only former mayor present.

As the inauguration of incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani approaches, speculation abounds regarding the attendance of outgoing Mayor Eric Adams. Notably, former Mayor Bill de Blasio has confirmed his presence at the ceremony set for Thursday. De Blasio, who served two terms before leaving office in late 2021, expressed his intention to attend, underscoring his ongoing support for Mamdani, for whom he acted as a surrogate throughout the mayoral campaign.

Adams, who had been critical of Mamdani during the campaign, has repeatedly abstained from providing a clear answer on whether he will attend the inauguration, raising questions about adherence to the tradition where outgoing mayors typically participate in their successors’ swearing-in ceremonies. During a recent press conference, Adams indicated a desire to confer with Mamdani before making any commitment, hinting at concerns surrounding the potential for protests by some of Mamdani’s supporters. This reluctance to engage in a straightforward dialogue about his intentions has sparked discussions on the political climate as Mamdani’s transition nears completion.

Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, has already extended an invitation to Adams, emphasizing his openness to the outgoing mayor’s attendance. Meanwhile, representatives for other living former mayors, including Michael Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani, have yet to respond to inquiries about their plans for the inauguration. Giuliani, a Republican vocal in his criticisms of Mamdani, has previously described him in stark ideological terms. In contrast, Bloomberg has reportedly funded super PACs opposing Mamdani’s candidacy.

Adams himself has remained tight-lipped regarding his future post-mayoral plans. He has expressed a desire to travel and author a book, while also hinting at ambitions linked to technology and social issues, particularly in combating antisemitism. As anticipation builds for Mamdani’s inauguration, plans are in motion at City Hall, with preparations underway for what is being dubbed a celebratory “block party” for supporters. The inauguration ceremony will culminate with Mamdani being sworn in by Senator Bernie Sanders, who shares similar political views.

In a unique twist, Mamdani’s team announced that he would take the oath of office in a quieter setting at midnight on New Year’s Eve in an abandoned subway station beneath City Hall. This inaugural moment, involving only selected individuals, highlights Mamdani’s vision of leadership, marked by a commitment to transform New York City while honoring its rich history. As Mamdani prepares to take office, the political dynamics of the city continue to evolve, capturing the attention of many New Yorkers.

Anticipation grows not only for Mamdani’s formal inauguration at City Hall but also for the potential implications of his leadership in a city marked by varying political ideologies and the legacy of those who have held the office before him.