Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Indian-origin democratic socialist, has secured the Democratic nomination for the Mayor of New York City after a tightly contested ranked-choice primary. He won 44% of first-choice votes, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo, who received 36%. City Comptroller Brad Lander followed with 11%. With 89% of precincts reporting shortly after polls closed, Cuomo officially conceded on Tuesday night.
Roots in Uganda, Raised in New York
Zohran was born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda, to Indian-origin parents. His mother, Mira Nair, is an internationally acclaimed filmmaker known for movies like Salaam Bombay! and Monsoon Wedding. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a prominent Indian-born Ugandan academic. Mamdani spent his early years in Cape Town, attending St George’s Grammar School, before relocating to New York at age seven. He later studied at Bank Street School, Bronx High School of Science, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College in 2014.
Early Activism and Political Career
During college, Mamdani co-founded the Students for Justice in Palestine and became active in local campaigns, including Khader El-Yateem’s 2017 City Council run and Tiffany Caban’s Queens DA campaign. He managed Ross Barkan’s State Senate campaign, gaining experience that would shape his own political path.
In 2019, Mamdani was elected to the New York State Assembly from the 36th District, covering Astoria and Long Island City. His legislative work focused on housing, public transit affordability, and immigrant rights—issues that resonated with many New Yorkers.
Personal Life and Public Appeal
A practising Shia Muslim, Mamdani married Syrian artist Rama Duwaji earlier this year. Duwaji’s work has been featured in major publications like The New Yorker and The Washington Post. Mamdani’s cultural identity, progressive politics, and grassroots campaigning helped him attract significant support from young, left-leaning voters, in contrast to Cuomo’s moderate base.
A New Chapter in New York Politics
With this win, Mamdani becomes a leading figure in the city’s progressive movement and a potential future mayor of New York City. His victory not only marks a major political upset but also reflects a shift in the city’s political landscape, increasingly influenced by younger and more diverse voices.
