Zohran Kwame Mamdani - New York City Mayor

Zohran Mamdani

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

Mayor of New York City | Democratic Socialist | Advocate for Progressive Change

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About Zohran

New York's First Muslim, Indian-American, and Gen Z Mayor

Zohran Kwame Mamdani is an American politician and activist serving as the Mayor of New York City since January 1, 2026. A member of the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America, Mamdani previously served in the New York State Assembly representing the 36th district from 2021 to 2025.

Born in Kampala, Uganda to academic Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair, Mamdani immigrated to the United States at age seven. He graduated from Bowdoin College in 2014 with a degree in African Studies.

Before entering politics, Mamdani worked as a housing counselor and musician. He began his political career working on campaigns for Khader El-Yateem and Ross Barkan before being elected to the State Assembly in 2020, defeating five-term incumbent Aravella Simotas.

Mamdani made history in 2025 when he was elected Mayor of New York City, becoming the city's first Indian-American, first Muslim, second democratic socialist after David Dinkins, and first Gen Z mayor.

Policy Priorities

Housing Reform

Advocates for rent stabilization, strengthened tenant protections, and creation of a Social Housing Development Agency to build publicly owned affordable housing.

Free Public Transit

Champions free city buses and keeping subway fares stable to improve accessibility and reduce transportation costs for New Yorkers.

Universal Childcare

Supports establishing a universal preschool system and public childcare programs to support working families.

Education Reform

Proposes eliminating property tax exemptions for NYU and Columbia to fund CUNY and make tuition free for public colleges.

Economic Justice

Fights for a $30 minimum wage by 2030 and tax increases on corporations and high-income earners to fund social programs.

Public Safety Reform

Advocates for community-centered public safety approaches, including mental health response teams and violence prevention programs.

Political Journey

1991

Born in Kampala, Uganda

Born to academic Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair.

2014

Graduated from Bowdoin College

Earned a degree in African Studies.

2018

Became U.S. Citizen

Was naturalized as an American citizen.

2020

Elected to State Assembly

Defeated five-term incumbent Aravella Simotas in Democratic primary.

2024

Announced Mayoral Candidacy

Declared candidacy for New York City Mayor in the 2025 election.

June 2025

Won Democratic Primary

Defeated Andrew Cuomo to become the Democratic nominee.

November 2025

Elected Mayor of New York City

Won the general election, defeating Curtis Sliwa and independent candidate Cuomo.