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Julie Menon unanimously elected speaker of the New York City Council
Summary
At a Jan. 7 charter meeting, the New York City Council elected Council Member Julie Menon speaker for a four-year term by a 51–0 vote; the session included the oath administered by New York State Attorney General Letitia James and organizational votes on interim rules and committee membership.
Julie Menon was elected speaker of the New York City Council on Jan. 7, 2026, winning a unanimous recorded vote of 51 in the affirmative, 0 in the negative and 0 abstentions.
The charter meeting opened with City Clerk Michael McSweeney calling the session to order and New York State Attorney General Letitia James administering the oath of office to council members. James, who introduced the oath, said New Yorkers “made their priorities loud and clear,” calling for a city that is affordable and “a city where they can raise their families safely and comfortably.”
Council Member Riley formally nominated Menon as speaker, citing her experience in city government and work on childcare and consumer protections. Several colleagues gave speeches in support before the clerk called the roll. During roll call, multiple members offered brief remarks explaining their votes; the clerk then announced the 51–0 result.
In her acceptance remarks, Menon thanked colleagues, labor leaders and guests in the chamber and pledged to represent every member and their constituencies. “I pledge to be a speaker for each and every single member and your respective communities,” she said, and outlined priorities including an affordable‑housing plan, procurement reform and using the newly created health care accountability office to curb high medical costs.
The council also approved an interim motion to continue the prior council rules until new rules are adopted and elected a temporary committee on rules, privileges and elections to meet Jan. 15, 2026 to recommend committee memberships and chairs. That temporary committee motion was recorded as approved on the floor. Separately, the Republican conference designated Council Member David Carr as minority leader; Carr delivered remarks about the minority’s role in offering oversight and advancing priorities.
The charter meeting concluded after Menon’s remarks and the council moved to its regular order of business. No substantive legislative items were debated or voted on at the meeting beyond the organizational measures and leadership selections.
