Zohran Mamdani Becomes NYC’s First Muslim and South Asian Mayor | Full Biography and Political Journey
Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old state lawmaker from Queens, has made history by becoming the first Muslim and first South Asian mayor of New York City. His victory over independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, a former New York governor, marks a new era in the city’s political landscape. Mamdani secured over 1 million votes, the highest total for any NYC mayoral candidate since the 1960s.
In his victory speech, Mamdani promised an “age of relentless improvement,” pledging to make New York better each day and to serve all communities equally. He told supporters, “This city belongs to you.”
Key Highlights of Zohran Mamdani’s Victory
Historic Firsts:
Mamdani is the first Muslim, first South Asian, and first African-born person elected mayor of New York City.
Progressive Policies:
His campaign focused on free childcare, fast and fare-free buses, rent freezes, and city-owned grocery stores aimed at lowering food costs.
Tax Reforms:
Mamdani plans to raise corporate taxes and impose a 2% wealth tax on millionaires to fund his social programs.
Message to Trump:
Addressing former President Donald Trump directly, Mamdani declared, “Turn the volume up!” — symbolizing his intent to stand firm against right-wing attacks.
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Reactions from Political Leaders
Bernie Sanders called Mamdani’s win “one of the great political upsets in modern American history,” noting his rise from 1% in early polls.
Barack Obama praised Democratic victories nationwide, saying, “When we come together around strong, forward-looking leaders, we can win.”
Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama both congratulated Mamdani, acknowledging his campaign as a major shift for the Democratic Party’s future.
Sadiq Khan, the Muslim mayor of London, also congratulated Mamdani, saying, “Hope won.”
Criticism from Israel’s Politicians
Mamdani faced sharp criticism from Israeli officials, including Amichai Chikli, who accused him of supporting Hamas — claims made without evidence. Mamdani has condemned both Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks and Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling for adherence to international law by all parties.
A Broader Democratic Wave
Democrats celebrated a series of victories nationwide:
Abigail Spanberger won the Virginia governor’s race, becoming the state’s first female governor.
Mikie Sherrill was elected as New Jersey’s first female Democratic governor.
California’s Proposition 50, redrawing congressional maps, passed with strong Democratic support.
Political analysts say Donald Trump’s low approval ratings contributed to Democratic wins across key states.
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Who is Zohran Mamdani?
Born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani is the only child of two renowned figures: Mahmood Mamdani, a Ugandan academic and postcolonial theorist, and Mira Nair, an acclaimed Indian filmmaker known for Monsoon Wedding and Queen of Katwe.
His middle name “Kwame” was given by his father in honor of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president.
When Mamdani was five, the family moved to Cape Town, South Africa, and then to New York City when he was seven, settling in Morningside Heights. He attended the Bank Street School for Children, Bronx High School of Science, and later Bowdoin College in Maine, graduating in 2014 with a degree in Africana Studies.
During college, he co-founded the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter and was known for his outspoken political columns in The Bowdoin Orient newspaper.
Quick Facts — Zohran Mamdani
| Query | Answer |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zohran Kwame Mamdani |
| Date of Birth | October 18, 1991 |
| Age (2025) | 34 years |
| Birthplace | Kampala, Uganda |
| Religion | Islam (Shia Muslim – Twelver branch, not Ismaili) |
| Ethnicity | South Asian (Indian Gujarati and Punjabi heritage) |
| Nationality | Ugandan-American |
| Parents | Father: Mahmood Mamdani (Ugandan academic and theorist) Mother: Mira Nair (Indian filmmaker) |
| Mother’s Name | Mira Nair |
| Father’s Name | Mahmood Mamdani |
| Wife | Rama Duwaji |
| Wife’s Religion | Islam (Syrian Muslim) |
| Marriage Year | 2025 |
| Political Party | Democratic Party / Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) |
| Religion (Clarification) | Shia Muslim (Twelver), not Ismaili |
| Policies / Political Agenda | Affordable housing, rent freeze, universal childcare, fare-free buses, $30 minimum wage by 2030, tax reform for equity, immigrant & LGBTQ+ rights |
| Net Worth (Estimated 2025) | Between $1 million – $1.5 million, mainly from political salary, speaking engagements, and music royalties |
| Recent Polls (2025 Mayoral Election) | Won 50.4% of votes citywide (1,036,051 votes), defeating Andrew Cuomo (41.6%) and Curtis Sliwa (7.1%) |
| Campaign Focus | Lowering cost of living, affordable housing, public transit, and social justice |
| Mother’s Profession | Film Director, Producer (known for Monsoon Wedding, Queen of Katwe) |
| Languages Spoken | English, Hindi–Urdu, Bengali, Arabic, Spanish, Luganda |
Cultural Roots and Family Background of Zohran Mamdani
Mamdani’s father is a Gujarati Muslim from India who grew up in Uganda, while his mother is a Punjabi Hindu from India’s Odisha state. His diverse heritage — combining African, Indian, and American influences — shaped his inclusive worldview.
His maternal grandparents, Amrit Lal Nair, a former IAS officer, and Praveen Nair, a social worker who founded the Salaam Baalak Trust, were also major inspirations in his life.
Mamdani is a dual citizen of Uganda and the United States, becoming a naturalized American in 2018. He is a Shia Muslim, identifying with the Twelver branch.
Early Career and Entry into Politics
Before entering politics, Zohran Mamdani worked as a housing counselor, helping immigrant families in Queens fight eviction — an experience that motivated his lifelong focus on affordability and tenant rights.
He began political work in 2015 as a volunteer for local candidates such as Ali Najmi, Khader El-Yateem, and Ross Barkan, before running for office himself.
In 2020, Mamdani defeated five-term incumbent Aravella Simotas to win a seat in the New York State Assembly, representing Astoria, Queens (District 36). He was re-elected unopposed in 2022 and 2024, championing policies such as fare-free MTA buses, rent control, and tax reforms for wealth equity.
Music and Creative Work
Apart from politics, Zohran Mamdani has a deep passion for music and hip-hop. Under the stage name Young Cardamom, he collaborated with Ugandan rapper HAB on an EP titled Sidda Mukyaalo (“No going back to the village”).
He later released a solo single “Nani” under the name Mr. Cardamom, featuring legendary actress Madhur Jaffrey in the music video.
He also produced the soundtrack for his mother’s film Queen of Katwe and was nominated for a Guild of Music Supervisors Award in 2017.
2025 Mayoral Campaign and Vision for NYC
Mamdani announced his candidacy for mayor of New York City in October 2024, running on an affordability-focused platform. His key promises include:
- Fare-free city buses
- Universal childcare
- City-owned grocery stores
- 200,000 new affordable housing units
- A $30 minimum wage by 2030
- A rent freeze on stabilized apartments
- LGBTQ+ and immigrant protections
He also advocates for tax increases on corporations and millionaires to fund social programs, while pledging tax cuts for outer-borough homeowners burdened by outdated assessment laws.
Personal Life
In 2021, Zohran Mamdani met Rama Duwaji, a Syrian-born artist and animator, on the dating app Hinge. The couple got engaged in October 2024, held a private nikah ceremony two months later, and legally married in February 2025 at New York City Hall. They celebrated a second wedding in Uganda in July 2025.
They currently live in Astoria, Queens, near Steinway Street.
Mamdani speaks six languages — English, Hindi–Urdu, Bengali, Spanish, Luganda, and Arabic — and is known for his love of Arsenal FC, cricket, All Elite Wrestling, and the New York Knicks.
Beliefs and Influences
Zohran Mamdani describes himself as a democratic socialist, influenced by Bernie Sanders, early 20th-century “sewer socialists” like Daniel Hoan, and NYC mayor Fiorello La Guardia.
He cites Boston mayor Michelle Wu and Baltimore mayor Brandon Scott as leadership models for city-focused progressivism.
He is also outspoken on international issues — critical of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, supportive of Palestinian rights, and an advocate for ICC accountability for global leaders accused of war crimes.
Looking Ahead
As he prepares to take office on January 1, 2026, Zohran Mamdani faces high expectations from New Yorkers eager for reform.
His campaign slogan, “Turn the Volume Up,” reflects his promise to bring energy, inclusion, and bold change to City Hall — not just for Astoria or Queens, but for every borough and every community in America’s largest city.
