Who Is Zohran Mamdani? Things That You Need to Know

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - From an unknown assemblyman to leading ranked-choice voting simulations with 52% over Andrew Cuomo’s 48%, Zohran Mamdani has now secured a decisive victory.

Surging as a challenger to the former New York Governor, all eyes are largely on the 33-year-old Muslim democratic socialist for his bold focus on working-class New Yorkers.

Citing reputable sources like TIME and The New York Times, this article delves deeper into the story of Zohran Mamdani, who is poised to become New York’s first South Asian and Muslim mayor.

Who Is Zohran Mamdani?

Zohran Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda, and moved to New York City with his family at the age of seven. A graduate of the NYC public school system, he attended the Bronx High School of Science, and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College. In 2018, Mamdani became a naturalized American citizen.

Before entering politics, Mamdani had already focused on advocating for working-class New Yorkers, particularly in addressing the housing crisis.

He worked as a foreclosure prevention housing counselor, assisting low-income homeowners of color across Queens in fighting eviction and remaining in their homes. In 2021, he assumed office as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing District 36.

Mamdani’s Vision for an Affordable New York 

One of the primary driving forces behind Zohran Mamdani’s political agenda is his vision for a more affordable New York City. Drawing from the values he cultivated prior to his political career, Mamdani campaigned on the promise of “lowering costs and making life easier” for everyday New Yorkers.

In response to the city’s ongoing housing crisis, Mamdani proposed a series of comprehensive reforms, including holding mayoral administrations accountable for rehabilitating substandard housing and significantly increasing the development of affordable housing, with an ambitious goal of tripling its construction.

In addition to that, Mamdani has advocated for a broader social safety net. His proposals include freezing rents for stabilized apartments, offering fare-free bus service, and providing free childcare for any New Yorker between the age of six weeks to five years.

Notably, The New York Times particularly noted Mamdani’s communication style, emphasizing his ability to present his platform in an accessible and easily understandable manner.

Mamdani’s People-Powered Campaign

During the June 4 debate, Zohran Mamdani drew a sharp contrast between himself and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, stating, “The difference between myself and Andrew Cuomo is that my campaign is not funded by the very billionaires who put Donald Trump in D.C.” He continued, “I have to pick up the phone for the more than 20,000 New Yorkers who contributed an average donation of about $80 to break fundraising records and put our campaign in second place.” He then branded his campaign as “the largest volunteer operation in NYC history.”

Online, Mamdani is just as dynamic as he is on the ground, amassing more than a million followers across Instagram and TikTok. His social media presence has gone viral, featuring visits to local restaurants, participation in social media shows like “Subway Takes;”, and engagements with fellow politicians.

Mamdani’s Stance on Israel and Gaza

A glance of Zohran Mamdani’s past activism, including co-founding his college’s first Students for Justice in Palestine chapter, reveals a consistent and clear stance on Israel and Gaza. He has been a vocal critic of the Israeli government’s treatment of people in Gaza, expressing his views not only through rhetoric but also through concrete actions.

In 2023, Mamdani introduced a bill aimed at ending the tax-exempt status of New York charities linked to Israeli settlements that violate international human rights law, although the bill didn’t pass. He has also publicly supported the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

Despite these positions, Zohran Mamdani has emphasized that New York City must have no room for antisemitism, carefully distinguishing between anti-Zionism and antisemitism. If elected, he has pledged to increase funding to combat hate crimes.

Editor's Choice: Zohran Mamdani Could Win New York Democratic Mayoral Primary

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Zohran Mamdani Could Win New York Democratic Mayoral Primary

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