Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in as the new mayor of New York City on January 1, marking the start of his leadership of the United States’ largest city. His popularity has surged rapidly, rising from 14 points in September to 38 points, a record level for any incoming mayor. Statewide, Mamdani’s approval exceeds 15 points, also a record. The public inauguration at City Hall will feature introductions by Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, with Senator Bernie Sanders in attendance, and New York Attorney General Letitia James administering the oath. Mamdani campaigned on promises to reduce living costs and make city buses faster and free, funded by taxes on billionaires and millionaires. His transit plan currently enjoys 50 percent public support, with 41 percent opposing. On November 4, he defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa by a wide margin. Mamdani becomes the first Muslim and South Asian–descended leader to serve as New York City mayor and, at 34, the youngest in a century.