• Zohran Kwame Mamdani, born in Kampala, Uganda, has clinched the Democratic Party nomination for New York City mayor after defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo. 
  • If elected, he will be NYC’s first Muslim mayor. His candidacy has sparked both enthusiasm and controversy, especially due to his vocal support for Gaza and criticism of Israel.

Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a singer and politician originally from Uganda, is determined to make history this November as he competes in the New York City Mayoral election. He secured the position of the Democratic Party’s candidate after defeating former State Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Born in October 1991 in Kampala, Uganda, Zohran Mamdani is the son of esteemed scholar Prof. Mahmood Mamdani, who led the Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) from 2010 to 2022.

A hip-hop enthusiast, Zohran has both written and produced rap music. For instance, under the stage name “Young Cardamom,” he teamed up with Ugandan rapper HAB in 2016 to create an EP called Sidda Mukyaalo, which is in Luganda. In addition, he released a single titled “Nani” in 2019 under the name “Mr. Cardamom.”

Though he relocated to New York with his family at the age of seven, Zohran has spent time living in several other countries. He officially became a U.S. citizen in 2018.

RELATED ARTICLES

Mamdani’s campaign platform includes free public transportation, universal childcare, rent freezes for subsidized housing, and city-operated grocery stores, all funded by increasing taxes on the wealthy.

Since 2021, Mamdani has served as the representative for the 36th district in Queens as a member of the New York State Assembly.

He is associated with both the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America, securing his initial election victory in 2020 by defeating a four-term incumbent, and has been re-elected unopposed since then.

If he wins, he would become the first Muslim mayor of the most economically vibrant city in America. He has faced considerable backlash, especially from conservative white Americans, due to reasons that are quite evident.

Zohran is also vocal in his criticism of Israel’s actions towards Palestinians in Gaza, indicating his support for Gaza. This stance has created tension between him and many individuals within the Jewish community as well as those who sympathize with Jewish concerns.