ReutersZohran Mamdani’s parents Mahmood Mamdani and Mira Nair attend a watch party for Mamdani’s primary election, which includes his bid to become the Democratic candidate for New York City mayor in the upcoming November 2025 election, in New York City, U.S., June 24, 2025. REUTERS/David ‘Dee’ Delgado
Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist and New York State Assemblyman, is leading the Democratic primary for New York City mayor. He has secured a significant lead over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a primary election that used ranked choice voting. This marks a major moment in New York City politics. Zohran Mamdani ParentsZohran Mamdani was born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a political scholar and director at the Makerere Institute of Social Research. His mother, Mira Nair, is a well-known Indian-American filmmaker. The family moved to New York City when Mamdani was seven.Early LifeHe studied at Bank Street School and the Bronx High School of Science. Later, he attended Bowdoin College and earned a degree in Africana Studies. In 2021, Mamdani was elected to the New York State Assembly to represent parts of Queens.Mamdani Gains Early Lead Initial results from the New York City Board of Elections show Zohran Mamdani with 43.5 percent of first-choice votes. Andrew Cuomo followed with 36.3 percent. The Board is expected to release final results by July 1. The election used ranked choice voting, which allows voters to rank up to five candidates in order of preference.Also Read: Ironheart Part 1: What to expect in Episode 1? Here’s release date, global release timings, episode schedule, complete episode list and where to watchLive EventsCuomo Admits DefeatLate Tuesday night, Andrew Cuomo conceded and called Mamdani to congratulate him. Cuomo acknowledged Mamdani’s campaign and its ability to connect with voters. He said Mamdani energized many young people and praised his strategy.Political Support and Endorsements Mamdani’s campaign received endorsements from key progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders. His message focused on affordability and public services. He promised to freeze rents on over one million regulated apartments. He also proposed a tax on the wealthy to support free city buses and city-run grocery stores.Massive SupportMamdani’s campaign drew support from over 50,000 volunteers. This was a record number in any New York City political race, according to political consultant Jerry Skurnik. His team used social media to reach a wide audience. Volunteers organized community events and voter outreach programs throughout the city.Also Read: Axiom Mission 4: Who are crew members? See Ax-4 launch timing, location, how to watch launch livestream, mission duration, goals and return planVoter Turnout RiseTurnout in this primary election rose by at least 5 percent compared to the 2021 race. Mamdani not only motivated his supporters but also won voters in areas that do not usually support democratic socialists. This includes parts of the city that previously voted for moderate candidates.Support from South Asian and Muslim CommunitiesMamdani received strong backing from South Asian voters in Queens. Many of them had supported Eric Adams in 2021 but shifted to Mamdani this time. Mamdani is Muslim and of Indian descent. He would become the first Asian mayor of New York City if elected.Awaiting Final ResultsAlthough Mamdani leads in the preliminary count, ranked choice voting means other preferences will still be counted. The final outcome will be declared on July 1. Until then, Mamdani remains the frontrunner in the race for City Hall.FAQsWho are Zohran Mamdani’s parents?Zohran’s father is scholar Mahmood Mamdani and his mother is filmmaker Mira Nair. They raised him in Uganda, South Africa, and later moved to New York City.What policies does Mamdani support?Mamdani supports rent freezes, free city bus services, and tax increases on the wealthy to fund public services such as grocery stores and transportation systems.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
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