Zohran Mamdani Emerges as a Top Contender in NYC Mayoral Race
At just 33 years old, Zohran Mamdani, an Indian-origin New York State Assemblyman from Queens, has quickly become a formidable candidate in the 2025 New York City mayoral election. Currently polling second, he trails only the former Governor Andrew Cuomo, marking a significant rise from relative obscurity.
Who Is Zohran Mamdani?
Born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda, Zohran Mamdani comes from a rich heritage. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a renowned Marxist scholar originally from India, while his mother is Mira Nair, a celebrated Indian-American filmmaker. The family moved to Cape Town, South Africa when Zohran was five, before settling in New York City at age seven.
An Academic and Activist Foundation
Zohran attended the Bank Street School for Children before graduating from the Bronx High School of Science. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College in 2014, where he also co-founded a chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, demonstrating an early passion for social justice causes.
Political Journey and Achievements
- Before running for office, Zohran worked as a foreclosure prevention counselor and volunteered for multiple local political campaigns.
- He joined the Democratic Socialists of America in 2017, signaling his alignment with progressive values.
- Winning the 2020 Democratic primary, Zohran took office as the Assembly member for Queens’ 36th District in 2021 and was re-elected unopposed in 2022 and 2024.
- During his tenure, he has sponsored 20 bills, three of which became law, serving on major legislative committees.
Progressive Vision for New York City
Inspired by Bernie Sanders, Mamdani champions progressive policies aimed at addressing economic inequities and quality of life for city residents. His platform includes:
- Implementing a $30 minimum wage by 2030.
- Advocating for free city bus rides to improve public transportation accessibility.
- Supporting rent freezes and expanding city-owned grocery stores to combat food insecurity.
- Pursuing fare-free bus policies and congestion pricing to ease traffic and pollution.
On international issues, Mamdani has been vocal about his stance on Israel-Palestine dynamics — backing the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, opposing illegal settlements, and calling for ceasefires in Gaza. Simultaneously, he firmly rejects antisemitism while affirming Israel's right to exist.
Personal Life and Interests
Zohran became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018. In 2025, he married Syrian artist Rama Duwaji. Outside politics, he embraces his creative side as a hip-hop artist, releasing the single "Nani" in 2019 under the stage name Mr Cardamom, which featured renowned actress Madhur Jaffrey.
Building Momentum in a Competitive Race
What began as a quiet political journey has transformed Mamdani into a prominent voice for progressive change in New York City. With compelling policies and a relatable persona, he threatens to reshape the mayoral race and appeal to a broad coalition of voters hungry for fresh leadership.
