Democratic social Zohran Mamdani pulled off the upset of the decade, cruising past former governor Andrew Cuomo to win New York City’s Democratic primary for mayor. So… who is this guy and how did he defy the odds?
From Kampala to Queens
Mamdani was born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda,a nd moved with his family to New York City at age seven. After growing up in the public‑school system, he became a U.S. citizen in 2018—an immigrant journey that now shapes his political worldview. If he goes on to win the general election, he will be New York City’s first Muslim mayor.
Raised by Heavyweights
His parents are two global names: acclaimed Indian‑American filmmaker Mira Nair and renowned Ugandan‑Indian scholar Mahmood Mamdani. Dinner‑table conversations about art, empire and justice formed the backdrop to Zohran’s activism.
In fact, his father gave him the middle name Kwame after Kwame Nkruham, a socialist revolutionary who became the first prime minister of Ghana (and eventually became an authoritarian, but that’s neither here nor there.)
Science Guy to Social Justice
Mamdani graduated from the Bronx High School of Science, then earned a B.A. in Africana Studies at Maine’s Bowdoin College, where he co‑founded the campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine.
Rapper, Organizer, Radical
Under the stage name “Young Cardamom,” he released socially conscious hip‑hop and rap albums.
Housing Crisis, Light-Bulb Moment
Working as a foreclosure‑prevention counselor for low‑income homeowners in Queens, Mamdani saw “profits over people” up close—an experience he cites as the spark that pushed him to run for office.
2020 Assembly Shocker
At 28, the self-described democratic socialist toppled a four-term incumbent to claim a State Assembly seat.
Hunger Strike Hero
In 2021 he joined yellow‑cab drivers in a week‑long hunger strike outside City Hall, helping secure a $450 million debt‑relief deal for medallion owners—one of the highest‑profile labor victories in recent NYC history.
Foreign-Policy Firestorms
A vocal critic of Israeli policy and of India’s Prime Minister Modi, Mamdani has faced backlash over slogans like “Globalize the intifada” and accusations of “playing the India card” in campaign videos.
Major Endorsements
The dark horse candidate received major endorsements from progressive gadflies Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Bernie Sanders.
How He Won Tonight
His playbook? Grass-roots canvassing, tiny-dollar donations, big TikTok energy, and key endorsements. For better or worse, voters itching for something fresher than the usual “machine” politics decided to roll the dice.
Just what kind of odds were stacked against him? In May, he was as low as 7% to win the primary at prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket.
What’s Next for NYC
Monday was only the Democratic primary. Now he’ll face Eric Adams in the general election (so long as Cuomo doesn’t run as an independent). Prediction markets give him a 75% chance of becoming the New York City Mayor.
If and when he takes office, expect fights for free buses, rent controls, and policing reform. No matter what side you’re on, things will be interest in Big Apple politcs.
