Zohran Mamdani Biography: Zohran Kwame Mamdani, born on October 18, 1991, is an American politician affiliated with both the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America. Since 2021, he has served as the representative for New York State Assembly’s 36th District, located in Queens. Mamdani is also running in the Democratic primary for the 2025 New York City mayoral election.
Zohran Mamdani Biography
Zohran Kwame Mamdani is a New York State Assemblymember and democratic socialist currently running for Mayor. Born in Uganda and raised in New York City, he has consistently championed working-class communities both inside and outside of government. His vision includes tackling high rents, building a world-class public transit system, and making it more affordable and supportive to raise a family in the city.
Zohran Mamdani Biography 2025 Details
| Born | October 18, 1991 Kampala, Uganda |
|---|---|
| Political party | Democratic |
| Other political affiliations |
Democratic Socialists of America |
| Spouse | Rama Duwaji |
| Parents |
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| Education | Bowdoin College (BA) |
| Category | Politician Biography |
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About Zohran Mamdani
Zohran Kwame Mamdani is an American politician. A member of the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America, he is the representative for the 36th district of the New York State Assembly, in Queens since 2021. Mamdani is a candidate in the Democratic primary for the 2025 New York City mayoral election.
Zohran Mamdani Achievements
His advocacy includes joining taxi drivers in a hunger strike that led to over $450 million in transformative debt relief, securing more than $100 million in the state budget to expand subway service and launch a successful fare-free bus pilot, and helping mobilize New Yorkers to stop the construction of a proposed dirty power plant. At a time when the cost of living is overwhelming everyday New Yorkers, Zohran is committed to using every tool available to lower expenses and improve quality of life.
Zohran Mamdani Wiki
- Born: 18 October 1991 (age 33 years), Kampala, Uganda
- Office: New York State Representative
- Party: Democratic Party
- Parents: Mira Nair, Mahmood Mamdani
- Education: Bowdoin College (2014), The Bronx High School of Science, Bank Street College of Education
- Nationality: American
- Grandparents: Amrit Nair, Praveen Nair
Early Life and Education
Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda, to parents of Indian descent. His mother is acclaimed Indian filmmaker Mira Nair, and his father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a prominent Ugandan-born academic and Columbia University professor who specializes in colonialism. Mahmood also serves as director of the Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) and chancellor of Kampala International University. Zohran’s middle name, Kwame, honors Ghanaian independence leader Kwame Nkrumah.
At age five, Mamdani and his family moved to Cape Town, South Africa, where he attended St. George’s Grammar School while his father taught at the University of Cape Town. Two years later, the family relocated to New York City. There, Mamdani completed his primary education at the Bank Street School for Children and later graduated from the Bronx High School of Science.
Family Background
Born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda, Zohran is the son of renowned filmmaker Mira Nair and respected academic Mahmood Mamdani. At the age of seven, he moved to New York City, where he was raised in the Bronx. His educational path includes attending the Bronx High School of Science, a reflection of his family’s emphasis on academic excellence. In 2018, Mamdani became a naturalized U.S. citizen, further strengthening his ties to the country he now serves..
Career Beginnings and Political Involvement
Before entering formal politics, Mamdani worked as a housing counselor, helping people navigate issues related to eviction and foreclosure. He also pursued music, performing as a rapper under the name “Z-Man” and using his lyrics to spotlight social issues.
His political journey began through grassroots organizing. He volunteered for Khader El-Yateem’s 2017 City Council campaign and later managed Ross Barkan’s 2018 State Senate bid. In 2019, he served as a field organizer for Tiffany Cabán’s run for Queens District Attorney. These early efforts helped shape his organizing skills and political vision.
Legislative Achievements and Activism
Mamdani defeated incumbent Aravella Simotas in the Democratic primary for the New York State Assembly’s 36th District, which includes parts of Astoria and Long Island City. Since taking office, he has led numerous progressive initiatives:
- Taxi Debt Relief: Mamdani helped lead a 15-day hunger strike in 2021 to demand relief for taxi medallion owners. The effort resulted in over $450 million in debt forgiveness.
- Affordable Housing: He has been a strong advocate for rent freezes on stabilized apartments and expanding affordable housing access across the city.
- Public Transit: Mamdani secured funding for fare-free bus service pilot programs and has worked to improve subway service for working-class riders.
- Childcare Access: He introduced legislation for free, universal childcare from six weeks to five years old, along with proposals to raise wages for childcare providers.
Current Campaign and Political Platform
Mamdani officially launched his campaign for the 2025 New York City mayoral race. His campaign is centered around affordability and equity, with key policies including rent control, free public transit, and universal childcare. His platform has earned endorsements from organizations such as the Democratic Socialists of America and Jewish Voice for Peace Action.
Personal Life
Zohran is married to Ritu, and together they have two children. The couple lives in Astoria, Queens. His multicultural background—Indian, Ugandan, and American—has played a significant role in shaping his inclusive worldview and policy priorities. He practices Islam and maintains a strong connection to his cultural and religious heritage.
Interesting Facts
- Artistic Side: Mamdani has a background in music, having performed as a rapper named “Z-Man” to raise awareness about social justice issues.
- Activism: He has participated in and been arrested during peaceful protests supporting immigrant rights, affordable housing, and climate justice.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Zohran Mamdani’s impact reaches beyond politics. He consistently supports grassroots organizations and movements aimed at uplifting low-income and marginalized communities. His unwavering dedication to progressive causes has made him a respected figure among advocates for economic justice, workers’ rights, and climate action. Though his outspoken nature and bold policy ideas have drawn criticism from some quarters, Mamdani has largely avoided major controversies. His commitment to transformative change and principled leadership continues to resonate with many across New York.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Mamdani intends to deepen his fight against inequality through his mayoral campaign and legislative work. His focus on free public transit, accessible childcare, and affordable housing positions him as a leading voice in the push for a more just and inclusive New York City. Through his unique blend of lived experience, political courage, and grassroots connection, Zohran Mamdani is shaping the conversation on the future of urban governance and social justice.
Zohran Mamdani Net Worth 2025
Although Zohran Mamdani’s exact net worth has not been made public, his way of life reflects a strong dedication to public service and grassroots advocacy. Living in Astoria, Queens, he leads a modest and community-focused lifestyle, prioritizing efforts to make New York City more affordable for working-class residents.
FAQs
What political movement is Zohran Mamdani associated with?
Zohran Mamdani is affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America, advocating for policies centered around economic justice, affordable housing, and public infrastructure improvements for working-class communities.
What are Zohran Mamdani’s priorities as a mayoral candidate?
As a candidate for mayor, Mamdani is focused on lowering the cost of living, expanding and improving public transportation, making housing more affordable, and creating a city where it’s easier to raise a family.
How has Zohran Mamdani supported public transit in New York?
Mamdani has been instrumental in securing over $100 million in the state budget to improve subway service and led efforts to implement a successful fare-free bus pilot, reflecting his commitment to accessible and reliable public transit.
What actions has Zohran Mamdani taken outside the legislature?
Beyond his legislative work, Mamdani has actively participated in grassroots organizing, including a hunger strike with taxi drivers that resulted in more than $450 million in debt relief and helping to block a proposed environmentally harmful power plant.
Where did Zohran Mamdani grow up?
Although born in Uganda, Mamdani was raised in New York City after spending a few early years in Cape Town, South Africa. He has lived in the city since the age of seven.
What does Zohran Mamdani believe the government should do for working people?
Mamdani believes government should play a direct role in reducing everyday costs, such as rent and transit, and should work to ease the financial pressures faced by working families across New York City.