Zohran Kwame Mamdani is an American politician who was elected mayor of New York City in 2025; he is a member of the Democratic Party, a democratic socialist, and had previously represented Queens as a New York State Assembly member.

Background and Early Life

• Born October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda.
• Moved to New York City at age 7.
• Son of filmmaker Mira Nair and Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani.

• Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Africana studies from Bowdoin College, where he was active in progressive organizing, including founding a chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine.

Political Career

• Worked as a housing counselor and musician before entering politics.
• Elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020, representing Astoria, Queens; he was reelected twice without opposition.

• Key legislative efforts include fare-free bus pilot programs and debt relief for taxi drivers.
• Ran for mayor of New York City in 2025, focusing on making the city affordable, supporting free buses, rent freezes, public grocery stores, universal child care, and tax reform.

Notable Achievements

• First Muslim and first South Asian mayor of New York City.
• Youngest mayor since 1889.
• Defeated Andrew Cuomo in both the Democratic primary and general election in a widely discussed upset.

Personal Life

• Married artist and illustrator Rama Duwaji in 2025.

• Continues to champion progressive causes, emphasizing inclusion, affordability, and social justice in policymaking.