Who is Zohran Mamdani?
Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, has made history by winning the Democratic primary for the 2025 New York City mayoral election, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a stunning upset. Born to Indian-origin parents—renowned filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani—Zohran’s multicultural background and progressive policies have energized voters. If elected, he would become NYC’s first Muslim, Asian, and millennial mayor, marking a major shift in the city’s political landscape.
Zohran Mamdani’s Background and Ethnicity
Zohran Kwame Mamdani was born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is an Indian-Ugandan scholar, while his mother, Mira Nair, is an acclaimed Indian-American filmmaker. The family moved to New York City when Zohran was seven, where he attended Bronx High School of Science and later graduated from Bowdoin College with a degree in Africana Studies. His middle name, Kwame, honors Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, reflecting his family’s Pan-Africanist values .
Zohran Mamdani’s Political Journey
Before entering politics, Mamdani worked as a housing counselor, helping low-income Queens residents fight eviction. He later became involved in activism, co-founding a Students for Justice in Palestine chapter in college and managing progressive campaigns. In 2020, he was elected to the New York State Assembly, representing Astoria and Long Island City. His legislative accomplishments feature the successful allocation of $100 million for subway improvements and the rollout of a pilot program offering free bus rides.
Zohran Mamdani’s 2025 NYC Mayoral Campaign
Mamdani announced his mayoral bid in October 2024, running on a bold progressive platform:
- Freezing rent for stabilized apartments
- Eliminating bus fares citywide
- City-owned grocery stores to combat food inflation
- Universal childcare for families
- Tripling affordable housing construction.
His campaign gained momentum with endorsements from Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, while Andrew Cuomo, despite early leads in Zohran Mamdani polls, conceded after trailing in first-choice votes.
Zohran Mamdani’s Religion and Personal Life
A practicing Shia Muslim, Mamdani has been vocal about combating Islamophobia while advocating for Palestinian rights. In 2025, he tied the knot with Rama Duwaji, a Syrian artist he discovered on the dating platform Hinge. Their multicultural relationship mirrors NYC’s diversity, adding a personal touch to his political narrative.
What’s Next for Zohran Mamdani?
With the Democratic nomination secured, Mamdani now faces the general election against Republican Curtis Sliwa and incumbent Eric Adams, who is running as an independent. If victorious, he could reshape NYC with his socialist policies, making it more affordable for working-class families.
FAQ About Zohran Mamdani
Q: What is Zohran Mamdani’s ethnicity?
A: He is of Indian-Ugandan descent, with roots in Gujarat (father) and Punjab (mother) .
Q: Did Zohran Mamdani win the NYC mayoral primary?
A: Yes, he defeated Andrew Cuomo and is now the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Q: Who is Zohran Mamdani’s wife?
A: Rama Duwaji, a Syrian illustrator, whom he met on Hinge.
Q: What are Zohran Mamdani’s key policies?
A: Rent freezes, complimentary public transportation, municipal grocery stores, and universal childcare services.
Q: Is Zohran Mamdani Muslim?
A: Certainly, he is a Shia Muslim and would mark the first Muslim mayor in New York City.