NEW YORK — Zohran Mamdani, 34, has made history by becoming New York City’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, a win that has grabbed attention across the country.
Born in Uganda, Mamdani moved to New York when he was seven. His rise to the mayor’s office surprised many after he defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo, first in the Democratic primary and then in the general election.
Mamdani’s campaign focused on issues that matter most to everyday New Yorkers — lowering living costs, supporting working families, and improving housing. Known for his approachable style, he often walked the streets talking with residents, and shared these conversations on social media, helping him build a strong grassroots following.
The son of a filmmaker mother and a scholar father, Mamdani attended the Bronx High School of Science and later studied Africana Studies at Bowdoin College. While in college, he co-founded the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter, showing his early interest in activism and social justice.
His passion for politics started young. At just 12 years old, he ran in a mock mayoral election at the Bank Street School for Children. Even though the race was for eighth-graders, he ran as a third-party candidate and won easily.
In his personal life, he married 27-year-old Syrian-American animator and illustrator Rama Duwaji, whom he met on a dating app in 2021. Mamdani says she encouraged him to be more open on social media, which became an important part of his campaign.
From a classroom in Uganda to the mayor’s office in New York City, Mamdani’s journey is a story of determination, representation, and hope for the next generation.
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