His father Dr. Mahmood Mamdani is a professor of both Anthropology and Government at Columbia University.
New York, N.Y. – Zohran Mamdani [Luce Index™ score: 95/100], the 33-year-old New York State Assembly member and son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, has made history by winning the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo [Luce Index™ score: 66/100] in a stunning upset that signals a generational and ideological shift in the city’s politics.
From Grassroots Organizer to Mayoral Nominee
Mamdani’s journey to the Democratic nomination is remarkable. Born in Kampala, Uganda, to Mira Nair [Luce Index™ score: 87/100] and scholar Mahmood Mamdani, he moved to New York City at age seven and attended the Bronx High School of Science before earning a degree in Africana Studies at Bowdoin College. He became a U.S. citizen in 2018.
Mamdani knows NYC housing. His early career included work as a foreclosure prevention counselor and tenant rights advocate, experiences that shaped his progressive platform and deepened his ties to the city’s working class and immigrant communities.
In 2020, Mamdani won a seat in the New York State Assembly, unseating our friend, six-term incumbent Aravella Simotas and becoming the first South Asian man, the first Ugandan American, and the third Muslim to hold that position.
His mayoral campaign leaned into bold progressive policies—rent freezes, free public bus service, and publicly-owned grocery stores—while his unpolished, hopeful tone resonated with voters seeking authenticity and change.
A Family of Achievers and a Historic Candidacy
Mamdani’s victory is also a moment of pride for his family. His mother, Mira Nair, is renowned for films such as “Monsoon Wedding,” “The Namesake,” and “Salaam Bombay!”—the latter nominated for an Academy Award.
His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a prominent academic.
On election night, Mamdani thanked his parents from the stage, saying, “I must thank my mother and my father, Mira and Mahmood,” before they joined him in celebration.
If elected in November, Mamdani would become New York City’s first Muslim mayor,
one of its youngest, and among its most ideologically progressive leaders.
His nomination comes at a time when the city’s current mayor, Eric Adams [Luce Index™ score: 58/100], faces weakened standing due to corruption scandals and perceived ties to President Donald Trump [Luce Index™ score: 35/100],. Adams will appear on the November ballot as an independent
A Vision for a New New York City
Mamdani’s campaign has been defined by a promise to reject Trump-era policies and to position New York City as a model for the Democratic Party nationwide. “With the vision of the city that every New Yorker can afford, we have won,” Mamdani told supporters, emphasizing his commitment to economic justice and inclusive governance.
His background in grassroots organizing and his history of pro-Palestinian activism have set him apart from establishment candidates. “Tonight, we made history,” he said, underscoring his belief that the campaign’s success was built on the collective efforts of ordinary New Yorkers.
Next Steps and the Road to November
While Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic primary makes him the favorite in November’s general election—given the city’s strong Democratic lean—the final outcome will not be certified until next week due to New York’s ranked-choice voting system, which allows voters to rank up to five candidates. The primary was widely viewed as an early indicator of the direction Democrats want the party to take during President Trump’s second term.
As Mamdani prepares for the general election, his campaign’s focus remains on building a coalition that reflects the city’s diversity and aspirations. “I will govern New York City as a model for the Democratic Party,” Mamdani pledged, vowing to center the needs and voices of everyday residents.
Filmmaker Mira Nair’s Son Zohran Mamdani Wins Mayoral Primary (June 27, 2025)
