India Tribune Newsdesk
New York: Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a 33-year-old New York State Assemblyman with Indian and Ugandan roots, is rapidly rising as a serious contender in the 2025 New York City mayoral race. Representing Queens’ 36th District since 2021, Mamdani has recently surged into second place in newly released polls, closely trailing the current frontrunner, former Governor Andrew Cuomo. His sudden ascent from a relatively low-profile progressive to a key player in the Democratic primary reflects both a shifting political climate and the candidate’s savvy grassroots strategy.
Born in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani is the son of renowned Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair and Indian-born Ugandan scholar Mahmood Mamdani. His childhood spanned continents—from South Africa to New York City, where he eventually settled with his family. A graduate of the Bronx High School of Science and Bowdoin College, Mamdani earned his degree in Africana Studies and co-founded the campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine during his college years. In 2018, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen and soon after began building his political career from the ground up.
Mamdani's early work included foreclosure prevention counseling and volunteering on local progressive campaigns. He joined the Democratic Socialists of America in 2017 and successfully ran for the State Assembly in 2020, defeating a four-term incumbent. Since taking office, Mamdani has sponsored 20 bills, three of which have been signed into law. His reputation as an effective, bold legislator has helped him build credibility among voters who are eager for change in City Hall.
His entry into the mayoral race on October 23, 2024, came shortly after federal investigations were launched into Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, creating an opening for alternative voices. Mamdani has embraced the moment with a platform that pulls no punches. Deeply influenced by Senator Bernie Sanders, he is pushing an ambitious progressive agenda: a citywide rent freeze, free childcare and buses, a $30 minimum wage by 2030, a new Department of Community Safety to reimagine public safety, and city-run grocery stores in neighborhoods with poor food access.
Mamdani is also unapologetically vocal on international and civil rights issues. He supports the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and has called for ceasefires in Gaza while condemning antisemitism and affirming Israel’s right to exist. Domestically, he has advocated for stronger anti-discrimination protections and opposed cuts to gender-affirming healthcare. These stances have both won him praise from progressives and criticism from more centrist figures, yet they underscore his consistency and commitment to his values.
Outside politics, Mamdani’s creative pursuits add depth to his public persona. In 2019, he released a song titled “Nani” under the stage name Mr. Cardamom, with a music video featuring legendary actress and food writer Madhur Jaffrey. A practising Shia Muslim, Mamdani lives in Astoria, Queens with his wife, Syrian-born illustrator Rama Duwaji, whose work has appeared in publications such as The New Yorker and The Washington Post.
His campaign has gained traction at an impressive pace. During its first fundraising cycle, Mamdani outraised all his opponents, showcasing the strength of his grassroots support. He has mobilized over 20,000 volunteers across the city and recently released a Hindi-language campaign video that referenced classic Bollywood films, a move aimed at engaging New York’s sizable South Asian community.
Mamdani’s momentum is further evidenced by ranked-choice polling. While Cuomo still leads in first-choice votes, Mamdani is closing the gap significantly in later preference rounds, trailing by just two points. Endorsements from progressive powerhouses like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Working Families Party, and UAW President Shawn Fain have added weight to his campaign. In a recent televised debate, Mamdani made waves by accusing Cuomo of corruption and branding himself as “Donald Trump’s worst nightmare”—a progressive, Muslim immigrant ready to take on entrenched interests.
As New York City prepares for its Democratic primary on June 24, 2025, the ranked-choice voting system is expected to play a pivotal role. Voters will be able to rank up to five candidates in order of preference, a format that could favor candidates like Mamdani who have built broad coalitions. Whether or not he ultimately secures the nomination, Zohran Mamdani has already succeeded in reshaping the race and establishing himself as a leading voice in the future of progressive politics in New York.
(Compiled from various sources)
