On January 1, 2026, several U.S. cities witnessed historic mayoral swearings-in, featuring multiple firsts for women and minority representation in municipal leadership.
In Detroit, Mary Sheffield was sworn in as the city’s 76th mayor, becoming the first woman and first Black woman to hold the office in Detroit’s 324-year history. The 38-year-old former Detroit City Council president took the oath in a brief morning ceremony at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, surrounded by family. A public investiture ceremony is scheduled for January 9 at the Detroit Opera House.
In Syracuse, Sharon Owens was sworn in as the city’s 55th mayor, becoming the first Black woman and second woman overall to serve in the role. The 62-year-old former deputy mayor under Ben Walsh took the oath in a private evening ceremony on December 31, 2025, effective January 1.
In Albany, Dorcey Applyrs was sworn in as the city’s 76th mayor, becoming the first Black woman and first person of color to hold the position. The 44-year-old former city auditor and common council member took the oath shortly after midnight.
In New York City, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the 112th mayor shortly after midnight in a private ceremony at the decommissioned City Hall subway station, becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor, first South Asian mayor, first African-born mayor, and youngest mayor in over a century at age 34. He placed his hand on a Quran during the oath, administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James. A public ceremony followed later in the day.
These swearings-in represent milestones in diversity for municipal governance across Michigan and New York.
