Zohran Mamdani: From Assembly to the Next Mayor of New York City?

Jun 26, 2025 Komal Das

American politician, community activist, and Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, 33, is currently the Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City

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Mamdani was born to Indian parents in Kampala, Uganda, and relocated to New York City when he was 7. In 2018, he obtained U.S. citizenship

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His father is eminent scholar Mahmood Mamdan, and his mother is the celebrated filmmaker Mira Nair

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After attending the Bronx High School of Science, Mamdani graduated from Bowdoin College with a degree in Africana Studies

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Before entering politics, he was a hip-hop musician and a housing counsellor who assisted low-income New Yorkers in preventing eviction

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Mamdani was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020, representing District 36 from Astoria, Queens

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In 2024, he ran a progressive mayoral campaign, calling for social housing, free city buses, city-owned grocery stores, public childcare, and a rent freeze

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Mamdani became the presumed nominee after defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary in June 2025

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Mamdani has inspired young voters and progressive allies with his innovative campaign videos and strong social views, promising a new era for New York City

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