Zohran Mamdani is a rising leader in New York City. He was born in Uganda, raised in Queens, and is now running to become the city’s next mayor. Mamdani is known for his bold ideas, strong values, and focus on helping working-class people.
Early Life and Background
Zohran Mamdani was born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a professor. His mother, Mira Nair, is a famous filmmaker from India. Zohran moved to the U.S. and became a citizen in 2018.
He studied Economics and Film at Bowdoin College. Before politics, he worked as a housing counselor, helping renters stay in their homes. He also used to rap under the name Mr. Cardamom, writing songs about justice and city life.
Zohran Mamdani Political Career
In 2020, Mamdani won a seat in the New York State Assembly, representing parts of Queens. He defeated a long-time politician by running a strong grassroots campaign.
He is part of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and the Working Families Party. Zohran Mamdani supports housing rights, better public services, and fair treatment for all people.
Zohran Mamdani Religion and Heritage
He is a Shia Muslim. His family background is South Asian and East African. He often speaks about his faith and culture and uses his own story to connect with New Yorkers from many communities.
Zohran Mamdani Personal Life
In 2025, Zohran married Rama Duwaji, an artist from Syria. Their wedding included both a civil ceremony in New York and a religious one in Dubai.
Running for NYC Mayor
In 2025, Mamdani announced his run for Mayor of New York City. He is facing off against Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York. The race is close and has drawn national attention.
Mamdani is supported by progressives, young voters, and grassroots volunteers. He does not take money from big corporations.
Zohran Mamdani’s Main Ideas
Here are some of Mamdani’s top goals if he becomes mayor:
1. Affordable Housing
- Freeze rent on many apartments
- Build 200,000 city-owned affordable homes
- Protect tenants from unfair evictions
2. Better Public Transit
- Make NYC buses free to ride
- Restore full service in underserved areas
3. Universal Childcare
- Free care for kids aged 6 weeks to 5 years
- Expand access to pre-kindergarten
4. Lower Food Costs
- Create city-run grocery stores
- Bring healthy food to all neighborhoods
5. Fairer Taxes
- Raise taxes on millionaires and large companies
- Use the money to fund public programs
6. Support for LGBTQ+ Communities
- $65 million for gender-affirming care
- Protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people
- Create a new city office to support the community
7. Community Safety
- Start a new safety department with non-police workers
- Send mental health teams instead of police to certain calls
Polls and Support
Mamdani is doing well in polls. Some show him slightly ahead of Cuomo. He has over 27,000 volunteers and 20,000 small donors. He’s leading in prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi.
Controversies
Some people disagree with Mamdani’s views, especially on Israel and public spending. He has also faced online hate. But he continues to speak directly to voters and build support across the city.
Final Thoughts
Zohran Mamdani brings a bold new vision to New York City. He wants to make the city fairer, more affordable, and better for working people. If elected, he would be the city’s first Muslim mayor and one of the youngest ever.
Quick Facts About Zohran Mamdani
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zohran Kwame Mamdani |
| Born | October 18, 1991 (Uganda) |
| Religion | Shia Muslim |
| Ethnicity | South Asian + East African |
| Party | Democratic Socialist |
| Job | Assembly Member from Queens |
| Running For | Mayor of New York City (2025) |
| Spouse | Rama Duwaji (artist, married in 2025) |
Frequently Asked Questions about Zohran Mamdani
Zohran Mamdani is a New York State Assembly member and a Democratic Socialist running for Mayor of New York City in 2025.
He was born in Kampala, Uganda, and raised in Queens, NYC. He is the son of academic Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair. He became a U.S. citizen in 2018.
Yes. In 2025, he married Rama Duwaji, a Syrian-born artist and illustrator.
He supports rent control, fare-free buses, universal childcare, higher taxes on the wealthy, and gender-affirming healthcare funded by the city.
Zohran is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and is backed by the Working Families Party.
As of June 2025, Mamdani is slightly ahead of Andrew Cuomo in ranked-choice polling and betting markets.
His campaign is built on grassroots energy, bold progressive policies, and a challenge to establishment politics. He’s also one of the youngest and most diverse candidates in the race.
