In a significant political development in New York City, state lawmaker Zohran Mamdani, largely unknown until recently, has emerged as a key contender in the Democratic primary for mayor. His ascent was marked by a declaration of victory from a Queens rooftop bar, as former Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded. Although the final outcome awaits a ranked-choice count slated for July 1, Mamdani’s journey is notable as he could become the first Muslim and Indian American, as well as the youngest, mayor of New York City in generations.
Zohran Mamdani, born in Kampala, Uganda to Indian parents, moved to the United States at a young age. Following time spent in Cape Town, South Africa, Mamdani settled in New York City at the age of 7. His mother, Mira Nair, is an acclaimed filmmaker known for works like “Monsoon Wedding” and “The Namesake,” while his father, Mahmood Mamdani, is an anthropology professor at Columbia University. Earlier this year, Mamdani married Syrian American artist Rama Duwaji, whom he met on a dating app, and they now reside in Astoria, Queens.
A former rapper, Mamdani attended the Bronx High School of Science where he co-founded the school’s first cricket team. He later graduated from Bowdoin College in Maine, majoring in Africana studies, and co-founded the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter there. His post-college career as a foreclosure prevention counselor in Queens motivated him to enter politics. Mamdani was also active in the hip-hop scene, performing under the name Young Cardamom, later Mr. Cardamom, and even used one of his songs, “Nani,” to gain traction during his campaign. Critics have labeled some of his lyrics, particularly from his 2017 track “Salaam,” as too radical for New York’s electorate.
Mamdani’s political career began with campaign work for Democratic candidates in Queens and Brooklyn. His groundbreaking election to the New York Assembly in 2020 saw him defeat a long-standing Democratic incumbent in an Astoria district. Since then, he has promoted progressive initiatives, such as a pilot program for free bus transportation, and legislation targeting unauthorized support of Israeli settlements. While opponents like Cuomo have criticized his lack of experience, Mamdani argues that his fresh perspective is precisely what New York needs, emphasizing that he lacks Cuomo’s record of corruption scandals.
Effective use of viral videos has been pivotal in Mamdani’s campaign, with content often referencing his Bollywood influence and Indian roots to attract broader voter interest. One memorable stunt saw him join a New Year’s Day polar plunge in full formal attire to promote his policy of freezing rents. Near the campaign’s end, Mamdani walked the entire length of Manhattan, capturing and sharing interactions through social media. He has also reached diverse communities by communicating in multiple languages, including Spanish and Bangla, on platforms like TikTok.
Mamdani’s campaign has presented a hopeful agenda, focusing on lowering living costs in New York through measures like free childcare, rent freezes, and affordable housing funded by taxing wealthier citizens. This platform has earned him support from Democratic progressives, including endorsements from U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders.
However, Mamdani’s firm pro-Palestinian stance has stirred controversy, particularly with Cuomo and other rivals who label his views on Israel as antisemitic. Calling for a non-segregated state with equal rights, he has gained backing among the city’s large Muslim population. Despite criticism for comments made on a podcast, Mamdani has remained resolute in his principles. In his victory address, he vowed to remain steadfast in his beliefs while seeking common ground with those holding opposing views.