Who is Zohran Mamdani? Filmmaker Mira Nair's son to be Democratic candidate for NYC Mayoral race
In a major political upset ahead of the New York Mayoral race, state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani trounced veteran Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primaries held on Tuesday. The 33-year-old Democratic Socialist also became the first Indian-origin Muslim candidate for the Mayoral race when he put an end to Cuomo's bid to make a political comeback four years after resigning amid sexual harassment allegations.
Zohran Mamdani, a pro-Palestine supporter and Israel critic, began his campaign as a virtual unknown. Though his stance put him at odds with the Democratic establishment, Mamdani's style of campaigning, where he questioned Democratic voters who cast their ballots for the Republican president, had garnered him attention. His campaign centres around free public buses, universal childcare, freezing rent in subsidised units, and city-run grocery stores - all paid for by new taxes on the rich.
Announcing his victory, Mamdani quoted former South African President and activist Nelson Mandela. "Tonight we made history," Mamdani told supporters at his victory party. "In the words of Nelson Mandela, 'It always seems impossible until it is done'. My friends, we have done it. I will be your Democratic nominee for the mayor of New York City," he said.
Who is Zohran Mamdani?
Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, is the son of filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani. Nair, a renowned filmmaker, had won accolades for her movies including 'Monsoon Wedding' and 'Salaam Bombay!', both of which were nominated for an Oscar and a BAFTA in 1988.
Mamdani was born in Uganda but raised in New York City after his family moved to the US when he was seven. He is married to Syrian-born artist Rama Dawaji.
He is the representative for Assembly District 36 in the New York State Assembly and is in his third term. Mamdani is also the first South Asian man and Ugandan to serve in the assembly and the third Muslim person to do so.
His campaign, via TikTok and other social media platforms, had galvanized a young and progressive populace in New York City. His campaign had released a video of him entirely in Urdu and mixed in Bollywood film clips.
Mamdani also has the backing of US Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, two prominent progressives.
Mayoral race
The general elections to elect the Mayor will be held in November and Mamdani has a clear edge in the city where Democrats dominate. While the Republic candidate is Curtis Sliwa, a former radio host, Mamdani will face a competition from the current mayor, Democrat Eric Adams, will also appear on the November ballot as an independent. Andrew Cuomo is also likely to contest the elections as an independent.
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