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Zohran Mamdani Creates History: First South Asian and Muslim Elected as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has created political history by becoming the first South Asian and Muslim to be elected Mayor of New York City, marking a major shift in the political landscape of America’s largest city. His victory over Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and independent candidate, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was backed by US President Donald Trump, signifies a generational and ideological change in New York politics.At just 34, Mamdani has become a symbol of progressive politics, uniting working-class New Yorkers around issues like affordable housing, public transport, and the cost of living.Who is Zohran Mamdani?Born in Kampala, Uganda, to acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani, Zohran moved to New York City with his family when he was seven years old. He became a naturalised US citizen in 2018.A product of New York’s public education system, Mamdani attended the Bronx High School of Science, where he co-founded the school’s first cricket team. He went on to earn a degree in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College. Before entering politics, he worked as a foreclosure prevention housing counsellor, helping low-income homeowners of colour in Queens fight eviction and keep their homes. Live EventsMamdani’s Political Journey: From State Assembly to City HallMamdani’s political journey began in 2020 when he was elected to the New York State Assembly, representing the 36th District, which includes Astoria and Ditmars-Steinway. In that role, he was known for championing affordable housing, public transport, and workers’ rights.In his Assembly profile, Mamdani described his motivation: “After negotiating with banks that valued profits over people, I realised this housing crisis wasn’t natural, it was the result of deliberate policy choices. And choices can be changed.”He became the first South Asian man and the first Ugandan-born person to serve in the New York State Assembly, and only the third Muslim to be elected to the body.What Are Zohran Mamdani’s Key Promises as NYC Mayor?Mamdani’s campaign revolved around lowering the cost of living and improving public services for working-class New Yorkers. His proposals include:Rent Freeze and Affordable Housing: A complete freeze on rent for all stabilised tenants and the creation of new housing through city resources.Fare-Free Public Buses: Permanent removal of bus fares, faster routes through dedicated lanes, and queue jump signals.Universal Childcare: Free childcare for every New Yorker aged six weeks to five years.City-Owned Grocery Stores: Establishing affordable, city-run grocery stores to counter soaring food prices.His campaign argued that these policies would be funded through fair taxation and redirection of existing city resources to prioritise affordability and accessibility.Challenges Zohran Mamdani Faces as New York City MayorDespite his widespread popularity, Mamdani faced criticism for his relative inexperience in governance. Many questioned whether a young democratic socialist could manage New York City’s massive $100 billion budget. However, Mamdani dismissed those concerns, telling The New York Times: “The biggest challenge this city faces is affordability, and I understand that better than anyone.”During his time in the legislature, Mamdani made headlines for joining a hunger strike alongside taxi drivers to secure over $450 million in debt relief. He also pushed for $100 million in increased subway funding and helped launch a successful fare-free bus pilot.Zohran Mamdani’s Victory: A New Era for New York CityMamdani’s victory represents a powerful shift towards progressive politics in the United States. His election as Mayor of a city often described as the “citadel of capitalism” symbolises growing support for democratic socialism and a focus on grassroots issues.For the first time, New York City will be led by a Mayor of South Asian descent and Muslim faith, a milestone that resonates with immigrant communities across the country. Mamdani’s win also signals a new political era, where representation, inclusivity, and affordability are at the heart of governance.As President Trump criticised him during the campaign, calling him a “Communist” and warning that New York would become an “economic and social disaster” under his leadership, Mamdani’s victory now stands as a bold rebuke to establishment politics.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onzohran mamdanizohran mamdani nyc mayorzohran mamdani trumpzohran mamdani mira nair sonfirst south asian nyc mayorfirst muslim nyc mayorzohran mamdani biographyzohran mamdani democratzohran mamdani election winzohran mamdani political career (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onzohran mamdanizohran mamdani nyc mayorzohran mamdani trumpzohran mamdani mira nair sonfirst south asian nyc mayorfirst muslim nyc mayorzohran mamdani biographyzohran mamdani democratzohran mamdani election winzohran mamdani political career(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online....moreless Explore More Stories123
