Why is Everybody Talking About Zohran Mamdani: The progressive Queens Assemblyman running to be New York City’s next mayor
A New Kind of Candidate
Zohran Kwame Mamdani isn’t your typical mayoral hopeful. The 33-year-old Assemblyman from Astoria, Queens has quickly become one of the most talked-about candidates in New York City’s 2025 mayoral race.
He’s young, unflinchingly progressive, and deeply rooted in the city’s working-class communities. If elected, he would be NYC’s first Muslim mayor, and among the most left-wing leaders the city has seen in decades.
Born in Kampala, Uganda, Zohran grew up in Cape Town before moving to New York City at age 7. He graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and studied Africana Studies at Bowdoin College. He became a U.S. citizen in 2018.
His mother is acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding, Mississippi Masala), who raised Zohran with a strong sense of justice and creativity. That background shines through in both his politics and his messaging.
Before Politics, a Life of Organizing
Before stepping into electoral politics, Zohran worked as a foreclosure prevention counselor, helping families stay in their homes. He was active in Palestine solidarity work and racial justice organizing throughout college.
He’s also no stranger to art—he’s made a short film about the Bronx and once performed as a rapper under the name “Mr. Cardamom.”
What He’s Done in Office
Elected to the State Assembly in 2020 as part of a slate of democratic socialists, Zohran has built a reputation as an effective and unrelenting advocate for New Yorkers.
Here are a few highlights from his time in office:
Helped secure over $100 million to improve subway service
Launched NYC’s first fare-free bus pilot, which increased ridership by 30% and reduced assaults on drivers by nearly 40%
Supported a hunger strike that led to $450 million in debt relief for NYC taxi drivers
Helped stop a fossil fuel power plant from being built in Astoria, preserving air quality in a frontline neighborhood
Co-led the “Fix the MTA” campaign, pushing for better service and more investment in public transit
What He’s Running On
Zohran’s mayoral platform is rooted in economic justice, climate resilience, and public investment. It’s bold, expansive, and aimed at working-class New Yorkers. Here’s a snapshot:
Housing and Rent
Freeze rents on all stabilized apartments
Build 200,000 new units of public housing
Enforce stronger tenant protections
Crack down on negligent landlords
Transit and Cost of Living
Make city buses permanently free
Expand bus lanes and improve subway service
Launch city-run grocery stores to lower food prices in underserved areas
Families and Care
Free childcare from 6 weeks to age 5
Provide “baby baskets” with essentials for all new parents
Support working families with better labor protections
Taxes and Funding
Raise corporate taxes to match neighboring New Jersey
Add a small surcharge on the wealthiest 1%
Use the revenue (estimated at $20 billion or more) to fund free public college, transit, childcare, and housing
Campaign Momentum
Zohran’s campaign is powered by people, not deep-pocketed donors. He raised over $600,000 in just 80 days—largely from small-dollar contributions—qualifying for millions in NYC’s public matching funds program.
He’s amassed a huge base of volunteers, knocked on hundreds of thousands of doors, and built a strong online following with viral clips, clever merch, and steady TikTok content.
He’s also earned endorsements from national progressive leaders like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as the Working Families Party.
How Ranked Choice Voting Works in NYC
New York City uses ranked choice voting in its Democratic primary. Here’s how it works:
Voters can rank up to five candidates in order of preference
If no candidate gets more than 50% of first-choice votes, the one with the fewest is eliminated
Votes for the eliminated candidate are transferred to each voter’s next choice
This repeats until one candidate crosses the 50% mark
Ranked choice voting allows voters to support the candidates they really believe in without fear of “spoiling” the race.
Who Else Is Running?
The 2025 Democratic mayoral field is crowded. Here’s a quick look at some of the main names in the race:
Andrew Cuomo – Former governor making a controversial comeback
Brad Lander – NYC Comptroller with strong progressive credentials
Adrienne Adams – City Council Speaker focused on housing and equity
Zellnor Myrie – State Senator with a focus on housing justice
Jessica Ramos – Queens State Senator focused on labor and workers’ rights
Scott Stringer – Former Comptroller with broad establishment ties
Whitney Tilson – Former hedge fund manager running on cost of living and public safety
Paperboy Prince – Artist-activist running on love, joy, and radical transformation
Others may join, but these names are drawing the most attention so far.
Key Dates to Know
Party registration deadline: February 14, 2025
Early voting begins: Around June 14 (exact date TBA)
Primary Election Day: June 24, 2025
Only registered Democrats can vote in the primary.
Why This Race Matters
For many young and working-class New Yorkers, Zohran Mamdani represents a different kind of politics. One rooted in community, in public service, and in refusing to take money from the wealthy and powerful.
His campaign isn’t just about winning a race. It’s about proving that grassroots energy, small donations, and a clear moral vision can still break through in the biggest city in the country.
If nothing else, Zohran’s run is already shifting the conversation about what’s possible in New York politics.
Enjoying coverage like this? Subscribe and share for more!