Who is Zohran Mamdani? The Historic New York City Mayor with Indian Roots

Zohran Mamdani has made history by becoming the first South Asian and Muslim mayor of New York City. The 34-year-old democratic socialist, born in Uganda to Indian parents, won a fiercely contested election against former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. With a focus on reducing living costs for working-class citizens, Mamdani's victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape of NYC. His journey from Uganda to the mayor's office reflects a new era in American politics, emphasizing the growing influence of diverse voices in leadership roles. Read on to learn more about his campaign and what this win means for the city.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 5, 2025, 10:43 IST

Historic Victory in NYC Mayoral Elections

In a remarkable turn of events, Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old lawmaker of Indian descent, has emerged victorious in the highly competitive New York City mayoral elections. This achievement marks him as the first South Asian and Muslim individual to lead the largest city in the United States.

Mamdani, born in Uganda to Indian parents—his mother is the acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and his father is the noted academic Mahmood Mamdani—successfully defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.

With 83% of the votes counted, Mamdani secured 948,202 votes, translating to 50.6% of the total. His opponents, Cuomo and Sliwa, received 776,547 votes (41.3%) and 137,030 votes, respectively.

The NYC Board of Elections reported that this election saw a turnout of two million voters, the highest since 1969, with Manhattan leading in participation at 444,439 votes, followed by other boroughs.

Earlier this year, Mamdani had triumphed over Cuomo in the Democratic primary, solidifying his position as a formidable candidate.

His campaign focused on alleviating the financial burdens faced by working-class New Yorkers, resonating particularly with the youth and those struggling with economic challenges.

Mamdani's election signifies a shift in New York City's political landscape, as he represents a new wave of democratic socialism in a city often viewed as a bastion of capitalism.

Originally from Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani relocated to New York City at the age of seven and became a naturalized citizen in 2018.