New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani revived a long-dormant City Hall tradition on Saturday by diving into a public pool in East Harlem to mark the opening of the city's 2026 outdoor pool season while dressed in a full suit and tie.
The event, held at the Thomas Jefferson Park Pool, saw Mamdani plunge into the water fully clothed, a gesture that harkens back to a tradition started by former Mayor Fiorello La Guardia in the 1930s. La Guardia famously swam in his suit to promote public pools during a heat wave.
Mamdani, who took office in January 2026, has emphasized public health and recreation initiatives. The city operates over 50 outdoor pools across the five boroughs, which opened for the season on June 27, 2026.
Video of the mayor's splash circulated on social media, drawing both praise for his commitment to civic engagement and lighthearted commentary on his soggy attire. The tradition had not been observed by recent mayors, making Mamdani's revival notable.
