Zohran Mamdani

Zohran Mamdani, Democratic candidate for mayor speaks during a press conference celebrating his primary victory with leaders and members of the city's labor unions on July 2, 2025 in New York. Mamdani defeated Cuomo by 12 points, crossing 50% after just 3 rounds and receiving the most votes in a Democratic primary for NYC Mayor in 36 years. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

Occupation
Politician
Date of Birth
October 18, 1991
Place of Birth
Kampala, Uganda

Zohran Mamdani is the mayor-elect of New York. In 2024, Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and New York State Assembly member, launched a long-shot bid to unseat Democrat Eric Adams as the top elected official in America’s largest city. He steadily rose in the polls behind the strength of a grassroots campaign that emphasized affordability and catering to everyday New Yorkers, a platform the 34-year-old communicated effectively through his charismatic social media presence. Mamdani upset former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, sending shockwaves through the national Democratic establishment and spurring heated debate about the future of the party. He received the endorsement of progressive lawmakers like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, but party leaders were hesitant to endorse, or outright refused to endorse, the rising star. Despite widespread misinformation, including racist and Islamophobic remarks, against the candidate, Mamdani — a Muslim who was born in Africa — defeated Cuomo, who continued to run as an Independent, in the general election. —Ryan Bort