Zohran Mamdani is an American politician serving as the representative for New York’s 36th Assembly District in Queens. Born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda, he moved to New York City at the age of seven. He is the son of Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani and Indian filmmaker Mira Nair. Mamdani graduated from Bowdoin College in Maine in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies.
A member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Mamdani identifies as a democratic socialist. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020, defeating incumbent Aravella Simotas. Since taking office, he has advocated for policies such as rent freezes, fare-free public transportation, universal childcare, and significant corporate tax increases to fund these initiatives.
In October 2024, Mamdani announced his candidacy for the 2025 New York City mayoral election. His platform focuses on affordability and social justice, aiming to address issues like housing, childcare, and public transit. He has gained significant grassroots support, raising $641,816 in the first three months of his campaign.
Recent polls suggest he is emerging as a serious contender, with 12% support among likely Democratic voters, surpassing incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who has 10%.
Mamdani’s activism includes a 15-day hunger strike in 2021 advocating for debt relief for taxi drivers and multiple arrests during protests supporting various causes. His candidacy is backed by the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and reflects a growing progressive movement within the city.