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Who is Zohran Mamdani? Mira Nair's Son Could Be New York City's Next Mayor

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Zohran Mamdani, an Indian-origin Assemblyman from Queens, has emerged as a key candidate in the 2025 New York City mayoral race, currently polling second behind former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

New York assemblyman Zohran Mamdani.
Indian-origin New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has unexpectedly emerged as a leading contender in the 2025 New York City mayoral race. Representing Queens, the 33-year-old progressive Democrat is currently polling second, trailing only former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Inspired by veteran US Senator Bernie Sanders, Mamdani has built his campaign around bold socialist ideas like free city bus rides, a city-run grocery network, a rent freeze, and a $30 minimum wage by 2030. Once a relatively unknown figure, he has surged in visibility through grassroots fundraising, viral social media messaging, and a key focus on housing, transit, and economic justice.

Who Is Zohran Mamdani?

Zohran Mamdani is a politician and community organiser serving as a Democratic member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 36th District in Queens since 2021. He was born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda. His father is Mahmood Mamdani, an Indian-born Ugandan Marxist scholar, and his mother is Mira Nair, an Indian-American filmmaker. At the age of five, Mr Mamdani moved with his family to Cape Town, South Africa. The family relocated to New York City when he was seven.
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