Zohran Mamdani: Son of India-born Parents Set to be New York City Mayor

His story reminds us that democracy is strengthened not weakened by diversity, and that the American Dream remains alive for those bold enough to pursue it.

Karan Bir Singh Sidhu is a retired IAS officer of the Punjab cadre and a writer on public policy, multiculturalism, multilingualism, inclusive democratic frameworks, and the political agency of diasporic and immigrant communities.

Zohran Mamdani: The Making of New York's Next Mayor

A Historic Victory That Reshapes American Politics

In a stunning political earthquake that has sent tremors through the Democratic establishment, Zohran Kwame Mamdani has declared victory in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary, positioning himself to become the city’s first Muslim, first South Asian, and first millennial mayor. At just 33 years old, the democratic socialist assemblyman from Queens — a practicing Shia Muslim — overcame formidable odds to defeat former Governor Andrew Cuomo, a political heavyweight once seen as poised for a comeback.

The victory represents more than just another election upset—it signals a generational shift in American politics and underscores the growing influence of immigrant communities in shaping the nation's democratic landscape. With 43.5% of first-choice votes compared to Cuomo's 36.4%, Mamdani's triumph has already been hailed as "the biggest upset in modern New York City history."

Joining the Pantheon of NYC Mayors

If elected in November, Mamdani will join the distinguished pantheon of New York City mayors—leaders whose legacies have shaped both the city and the nation. This lineage includes Fiorello La Guardia (1934–1945), affectionately known as “the Little Flower,” widely regarded as the city’s greatest mayor for his leadership during the Great Depression and World War II. From La Guardia’s transformative era to the crisis-time resilience of Rudy Giuliani after 9/11, and through the modern tenures of billionaire Michael Bloomberg, Bill de Blasio, and Eric Adams, Mamdani’s potential victory would add a new, historic chapter to the evolving story of leadership in America’s greatest city.

The Multicultural Tapestry of a Political Rising Star

Birth and Early Life

Born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda, Zohran's story begins in the heart of East Africa, though his roots stretch across continents and cultures. His birth name, Zohran Kwame Mamdani, carries deep significance—his middle name "Kwame" pays tribute to Ghanaian independence leader Kwame Nkrumah, reflecting the Pan-African consciousness that would later influence his worldview.

When Zohran was five years old, his family relocated to Cape Town, South Africa, where he attended St. George's Grammar School, an institution steeped in both colonial history and academic rigor. This early exposure to post-apartheid South Africa would profoundly shape his understanding of social justice and systemic inequality. At age seven, the family made their final move to New York City, settling on the Upper West Side, where young Zohran would complete his formative years.

Educational Journey and Political Awakening

In New York, Mamdani attended the Bank Street School for Children, a progressive institution that emphasized experiential learning, social justice, and civic responsibility. This educational philosophy would prove foundational to his later political development. He later graduated from the prestigious Bronx High School of Science before earning a bachelor's degree in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College in Maine in 2014.

During his college years, Mamdani's political activism began to flourish. He co-founded a chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, an experience that would later influence his controversial stances on Middle Eastern politics. His education at Bowdoin, combined with his multicultural upbringing, created a unique worldview that blended academic rigor with grassroots activism.

Zohran Kwame Mamdani with his parents Film Director Mira Nair, and Mahmood Mamdani.

The Extraordinary Legacy of His Parents

Mira Nair: A Cinematic Icon

Zohran's mother, Mira Nair, stands as one of the most celebrated filmmakers in contemporary cinema. Born on October 15, 1957, in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa (now Odisha), India, Nair has crafted a remarkable career spanning documentaries and feature films that examine the complexities of cultural identity, displacement, and human dignity.

Nair's breakthrough came with "Salaam Bombay!" (1988), a gritty portrayal of street children in Mumbai that earned her international acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film—making it only the second Indian film ever to receive such recognition. The film's success established Nair as a powerful voice in world cinema, capable of bringing marginalized stories to global audiences.

Her subsequent works, including "Mississippi Masala" (1991), which explored interracial relationships within immigrant communities, and "Monsoon Wedding" (2001), a vibrant celebration of Indian family dynamics, have consistently challenged audiences to confront issues of race, class, and cultural identity. "Monsoon Wedding" particularly resonated worldwide, grossing over $30 million and earning Nair the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, making her the first female recipient of the award.

Throughout her career, Nair has remained committed to telling stories of those she considers "marginalized" or "invisible". As she has eloquently stated: "If you're not in the mainstream or if you're not in the stream at all, you're virtually invisible. I'm very much about telling stories of those who are my own. If we don't tell our own stories, no one else will."

Mahmood Mamdani: A Scholarly Voice for Justice

Zohran's father, Mahmood Mamdani, is equally distinguished in his own right as one of the most prominent scholars of African studies and political science of his generation. Born on April 23, 1946, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, Mahmood moved to Uganda as a child, where he would later become deeply involved in both academic and political life.

As the Herbert Lehman Professor of Government at Columbia University, Mahmood Mamdani has authored numerous influential works on colonialism, political theory, and African studies. His scholarship has consistently challenged conventional narratives about African politics and post-colonial development, earning him recognition as a Fellow of the British Academy.

Remarkably, Mahmood's own journey to America began with the 1963 Kennedy Airlift, a scholarship program that brought hundreds of East African students to American universities. His experience as a young activist was forged during the civil rights movement, when he participated in the march to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965, even spending time in jail for his involvement.

The convergence of Mira's artistic vision and Mahmood's scholarly activism created a household where politics, art, and social justice were not merely subjects of study but lived realities. As one account describes, their dinner table was "a space for deep, global political conversation," providing Zohran with an intellectual foundation that would later inform his political philosophy.

Political Ascent and Legislative Record

Entry into Politics

Mamdani's entry into electoral politics came in 2020 when he challenged and defeated a four-term incumbent in the 36th Assembly District, which includes Astoria and Long Island City in Queens. This victory marked the beginning of his rapid rise through New York's political ranks.

As a member of both the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America, Mamdani has consistently championed progressive causes in the State Assembly. His legislative priorities have focused on affordable housing, public transit improvements, and immigrant rights—issues that would later become central themes in his mayoral campaign.

The Path to Gracie Mansion

Mamdani announced his candidacy for mayor in 2024, entering a crowded field that included several established political figures. His campaign, built around the slogan "New York is too expensive," resonated with younger voters and working families struggling with the city's cost of living crisis.

The campaign's success was built on small-dollar donations from approximately 18,000 contributors—more than the rest of the Democratic field combined. His policy proposals included free city buses, universal childcare for children aged six weeks to five years, a rent freeze for stabilized tenants, and a network of city-owned grocery stores focused on affordability.

The Democratic Primary: David vs. Goliath

The Cuomo Challenge

Throughout most of the campaign, former Governor Andrew Cuomo appeared to be the frontrunner, benefiting from substantial name recognition and deep political connections. Cuomo's candidacy represented an attempted comeback following his resignation in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations.

The contrast between the candidates could not have been starker: Cuomo, at 67, represented the Democratic establishment with decades of experience in state government, while Mamdani embodied a new generation of progressive leadership focused on economic justice and working-class issues.

Election Night Drama

On June 24, 2025, as results began to pour in, it became clear that Mamdani had achieved something extraordinary. With 43.5% of first-choice votes to Cuomo's 36.4%, the young assemblyman had not only won but done so decisively. Cuomo's concession came shortly after polls closed, with the former governor graciously acknowledging: "Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won."

In his victory speech, Mamdani quoted Nelson Mandela: "In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always seems impossible until it's done. My friends, it is done. And you are the ones who did it. I am honoured to be your Democratic nominee for Mayor of New York City."

The Road to November: Challenges Ahead

A Complex General Election Landscape

Unlike most New York City mayoral elections, where the Democratic primary winner is virtually assured of victory, the November 2025 general election promises to be far more competitive. Mamdani will face a unique political landscape that includes several formidable opponents.

The primary challenger will be Eric Adams, the incumbent mayor who shocked the political establishment by leaving the Democratic Party to run as an independent. Adams, who was elected as a Democrat in 2021, made this dramatic move after the Trump Justice Department dropped federal corruption charges against him and he began cooperating with federal immigration enforcement efforts.

The Republican nominee, Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels anti-crime patrol, represents the city's growing but still limited Republican base. Having run unsuccessfully against Adams in 2021, Sliwa faces the challenge of mobilizing voters in a heavily Democratic city.

Perhaps most intriguingly, former Governor Cuomo has not ruled out continuing his campaign as an independent candidate on the "Fight and Deliver" ballot line, potentially creating a four-way race that could reshape traditional voting patterns.

The Broader Political Context

Mamdani's campaign occurs against the backdrop of significant national political tensions. As a Muslim candidate who has been critical of Israeli policies in Gaza, he has faced scrutiny and even death threats. "I get messages that say things like the only good Muslim is a dead Muslim. I get threats on my life and on the people that I love," he revealed during an emotional moment on the campaign trail.

His positions on Middle Eastern issues have drawn criticism from some Jewish organizations, though he has consistently emphasized his commitment to fighting antisemitism in all its forms. These controversies highlight the complex intersection of foreign policy, religious identity, and local politics in America's most diverse city.

Diaspora Reactions: A Community Divided

South Asian Community Response

The response from New York's substantial South Asian community—estimated at 300,000 people—has been notably complex and divided. While some community leaders have embraced Mamdani as a symbol of representation and progress, others have expressed reservations about his progressive policy positions.

Jagpreet Singh, political director of DRUM, a social justice organization working with South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities, expressed optimism: "There is nobody who understands the totality of the issues that I care about more than Zohran. I am not going to hold my breath for the first time in a long time that I can remember to vote for a candidate."

However, the reality on the ground reveals a more nuanced picture. Many South Asian business owners and residents, particularly in communities like Little Punjab in Richmond Hill, Queens, have expressed fundamental opposition to Mamdani's policies on rent control and free public transportation. The community's diversity—spanning different nationalities, religions, classes, and even caste divisions—has resulted in a range of opinions that defy simple categorization.

The Indian American Identity Question

Among some Indian Americans, Mamdani's victory has sparked what one commentator described as an "identity crisis". While many Indians are typically eager to claim successful individuals with even remote Indian ancestry, Mamdani's Muslim faith and progressive politics have created discomfort in certain quarters.

Critics have attempted to characterize him through religious stereotypes, though such efforts appear to have had limited impact on his electoral success. The tension reflects broader debates within immigrant communities about representation, identity, and political values in American society.

Pakistani and Muslim Community Enthusiasm

Conversely, Muslim communities, including Pakistani Americans, have generally embraced Mamdani's candidacy with enthusiasm. His potential to become New York's first Muslim mayor represents a historic breakthrough for a community that has often felt marginalized in American politics.

The significance extends beyond symbolic representation. As Mamdani himself has noted: "I am proud to be the first South Asian elected official to run for mayor of this city. And yet I know, as excited as I would be, representation in and of itself cannot feed the families of this city that are starving."

The Immigrant Experience and American Democracy

A Story of Generational Change

Mamdani's rise represents a profound shift in American political leadership—from the children of European immigrants who dominated 20th-century politics to a new generation of leaders with roots in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. His victory joins a growing list of immigrant success stories in American politics, from Arnold Schwarzenegger and Pramila Jayapal to Mazie Hirono and Tammy Duckworth.

What makes Mamdani's story particularly compelling is how it embodies the changing face of American immigration. Unlike the European immigrants of the early 20th century, today's newcomers bring complex identities shaped by multiple continents and cultures. Mamdani's journey from Uganda to South Africa to America represents this new reality of global migration and multicultural identity.

The Promise and Challenges of Representation

Research on immigrant political participation shows that representation matters not just symbolically but practically. Studies indicate that diverse political leadership can enhance civic engagement among immigrant communities and improve policy outcomes for marginalized populations.

However, the path to political inclusion remains challenging. Immigrants face numerous barriers to political participation, from language difficulties and unfamiliarity with American political systems to discrimination and economic pressures. Mamdani's success, despite these obstacles, demonstrates the potential for immigrant communities to overcome these barriers through organization, persistence, and coalition-building.

The Broader Democratic Impact

The significance of Mamdani's victory extends far beyond New York City. As demographic changes continue to reshape American society, with nearly one in four Americans now being either immigrants or children of immigrants, political representation is becoming increasingly diverse.

This transformation reflects what Andrew Carnegie once described as the ongoing process of American democracy—that citizenship is not an "exclusive privilege" but rather "an ongoing and inclusive process that would help new Americans become full members of the country's civic and economic life."

The Sentimental Journey: Dreams Realized

Against the Odds

Perhaps most remarkably, Mamdani's story unfolds against a backdrop of increasing anti-immigrant sentiment and political polarization. His victory comes at a time when debates over immigration policy have reached fever pitch, and when some political leaders have sought to divide rather than unite diverse communities.

Yet his success demonstrates the enduring power of the American Dream—not as a guarantee of material success, but as James Truslow Adams originally conceived it: "that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement."

The Promise of Inclusive Democracy

Mamdani's rise to prominence illustrates how immigrant communities are not merely adapting to American democracy but actively reshaping it. His campaign, built on small donations from thousands of ordinary New Yorkers, represents a form of grassroots political engagement that strengthens democratic institutions.

The progressive coalition that supported his candidacy—including endorsements from Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—demonstrates how immigrant politicians can build bridges across ethnic and racial lines while advancing policies that benefit working families regardless of their background.

Looking Forward

As Mamdani prepares for the November general election, his campaign represents more than just one person's political ambitions. It embodies the hopes and aspirations of millions of Americans who see in his success a validation of their own place in the American story.

His mother's films have long explored themes of displacement, identity, and belonging. His father's scholarship has examined the complex legacies of colonialism and the struggles for justice across continents. Now, their son stands poised to lead America's largest city, carrying forward their legacy while writing his own chapter in the ongoing story of American democracy.

The victory of this young man—born in Uganda, raised across three continents, educated in America's finest institutions—serves as a powerful reminder that America's greatest strength has always been its ability to renew itself through the energy, ambition, and dreams of newcomers. In an era of division and discord, Zohran Mamdani's remarkable journey offers hope that the American experiment in self-governance continues to evolve, driven by those who refuse to accept that any dream is impossible to achieve.

Whether he ultimately wins in November or not, Mamdani has already secured his place in American political history as a symbol of possibility—proof that in America, the son of immigrants can still rise to positions of extraordinary influence and responsibility. His story reminds us that democracy is strengthened not weakened by diversity, and that the American Dream remains alive for those bold enough to pursue it.

Footnote: A Parallel with London — Sadiq Khan’s Journey

Across the Atlantic, a striking parallel to Mamdani’s rise can be found in Sir Sadiq Khan, the Muslim son of Pakistani immigrants who has served as Mayor of London since 2016. Born in Tooting, South London, where his father worked as a bus driver and his mother as a seamstress, Khan became the first Muslim mayor of a major Western capital. In June 2025, he was awarded a knighthood by King Charles III — the first Mayor of London to receive such an honour — recognising his contributions to public life despite sustained political opposition. Like Mamdani, Khan’s story reflects the transformative power of democracy in enabling leaders from immigrant communities to reshape civic life in the world’s great cities.