Zohran Mamdani leads NYC mayoral race

Democrat Zohran Mamdani, 34, a self-described socialist and the frontrunner in New York City’s mayoral race, is poised to make history as the city’s first Muslim mayor and the first of South Asian descent

Oct 18, 1991: Born in Kampala, Uganda to parents of Indian descent: Columbia University anthropology professor Mahmood Mamdani and acclaimed film director Mira Nair

1998: Moves to New York City with family at age seven

1999-2014: Attends The Bronx High School of Science and later graduates from Bowdoin College in Maine with bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies, where he co-founds campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine

2015-19: Works as housing officer in Queens, helping low-income homeowners fight eviction

2018: Becomes U.S. citizen through naturalisation

2020: Wins seat in New York State Assembly representing Queens

Feb 2025: Marries Brooklyn-based Syrian artist Rama Duwaji

Jun 24: Wins New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo

Nov 4: Leads polls in mayoral election with platform to tax the rich, create city-run grocery stores, provide free bus service, and “Trump-proof” New York

NYC MAYORAL ELECTION VOTING INTENTION (%)
Zohran Mamdani
Democrat
Andrew Cuomo
Independent
Curtis Sliwa
Republican
Other

44
34
11
9

Suffolk University survey of 500 people between Oct 23-26. Margin of error ± 4.4 points

If elected, Mamdani’s ability to make good on his promises will lay groundwork for Democrats as they seek to recover from 2024 loss

Sources: Reuters, New York Times, Encyclopaedia Britannica
Picture: Newscom
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