Adams confirms attendance at Mamdani’s inauguration after weeks of uncertainty.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has officially confirmed his attendance at the inauguration of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, scheduled for Thursday afternoon on the steps of City Hall. This decision comes after weeks of speculation regarding Adams’ commitment to attend the ceremony amid various political tensions surrounding the transition.
In remarks shared during an unannounced appearance on WABC radio, Adams stated that he and Mamdani communicated earlier in the day, with Mamdani expressing a desire for the outgoing mayor to be present. Adams highlighted the significance of demonstrating a smooth and peaceful transfer of power, a sentiment underscored by past practices in New York City. Despite previous reluctance to commit to attending, Adams emphasized his intention to avoid disrupting what he termed an “important moment in history.”
Mamdani’s spokeswoman, Dora Pekec, confirmed that the two had engaged in text communications, reiterating Mamdani’s invitation for Adams to join the inauguration. The ceremony is expected to draw thousands of supporters and will feature Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders administering the oath of office to Mamdani.
Historically, it is customary for outgoing mayors to attend the inaugurations of their successors, even following contentious campaigns. Notably, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg attended Bill de Blasio’s inauguration in 2014, despite sharp critiques directed at him during the event. However, Adams’ potential presence at Mamdani’s inauguration poses a unique scenario, given the tumultuous backdrop of their political rivalry.
In previous statements, Adams had expressed concerns about the motivations of Mamdani’s supporters, suggesting that a vocal minority may seek to protest during the inauguration. He articulated his apprehension about giving any faction a reason to disrupt the ceremony.
The landscape of this transition has been particularly complicated for Adams, who announced his withdrawal from the reelection race in September, amidst ongoing issues stemming from a federal corruption indictment. Subsequently, he endorsed Mamdani’s opponent, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and has publicly critiqued Mamdani’s policies, labeling him the “king of gentrifiers.”
As Adams approaches the conclusion of his term, he has also taken actions perceived as counter to Mamdani’s agenda. Recently, he appointed new members to the Rent Guidelines Board, a move interpreted as an effort to hinder Mamdani’s initiative to freeze rents for stabilized tenants. Furthermore, in his final days in office, Adams is anticipated to veto approximately 20 City Council bills that have garnered support from Mamdani, a decision which the Council may address when it reconvenes next year.
The upcoming inauguration marks a pivotal moment for both Mamdani and the city, encapsulating the broader political dynamics at play in New York City governance as it navigates a transition marked by rivalry and divergence in policy priorities. Media News Source
