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Last Updated:June 08, 2025, 16:17 IST
The New York mayoral candidate is the son of Mahmood Mamdani, an Indian-born Ugandan Marxist scholar, and Mira Nair, a renowned Indian-American filmmaker.
Zohran Mamdani is running second in the race of mayoral polls (Credits: X)
Zohran Mamdani, an Indian-origin New York State Assemblyman, is among the contenders in the New York mayoral election. The 33-year-old stands second in the race, behind front-runner and former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
On Thursday, US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Mamdani, stating, “He has demonstrated a real ability on the ground to put together a coalition of working-class New Yorkers that is strongest to lead the pack."
Who Is Zohran Mamdani?
– Born in Kampala, Uganda, on 18 October 1991, Zohran Mamdani moved to Cape Town, South Africa, at the age of five. Two years later, at age seven, his family relocated to New York City.
– The New York mayoral candidate is the son of Mahmood Mamdani, an Indian-born Ugandan Marxist scholar, and Mira Nair, a renowned Indian-American filmmaker.
Zohran Mamdani: Educational Background
– Mamdani attended the Bank Street School for Children in New York City for his early education.
– He completed his high school education at the Bronx High School of Science.
– In 2014, he graduated from Bowdoin College with a degree in Africana Studies.
– While at Bowdoin, he was actively involved in student advocacy and co-founded the college’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine.
Zohran Mamdani: Political Journey
– Zohran Mamdani began his career helping people avoid home loss.
– He volunteered on local political campaigns for leaders such as Ali Najmi, Khader El-Yateem, Ross Barkan, and Tiffany Cabán.
– He joined the Democratic Socialists of America in 2017.
– In 2020, he won the Democratic primary and became a New York State Assembly Member for Queens’ 36th District in 2021.
– He was re-elected unopposed in 2022 and again in 2024.
– He is an active member of the Democratic Socialists and serves on important Assembly committees.
– To date, he has introduced 20 bills, three of which have become law.
Zohran Mamdani Viral Video Sparks Controversy
During his first Democratic mayoral debate, Zohran Mamdani sparked controversy when he refused to affirm Israel’s right to exist specifically as a Jewish state. Instead, he stated that it should exist “as a state with equal rights." This answer drew strong criticism, with some accusing him of promoting antisemitism. The video of the exchange went viral.
His stance led to harsh criticism of those endorsing him, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and State Senator John Liu. Many, including Jewish leaders, expressed that such views are unacceptable, particularly amid rising antisemitic incidents in the US.
Location :New York, United States of America (USA)
First Published:News world Who Is Zohran Mamdani, Indian-Origin US Politician Running For New York Mayor?
