By Afiur
November 10, 2025
Zohran Mamdani just made history, becoming New York City’s first South Asian and Muslim Mayor.
He defeated Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa in a fiercely fought mayoral election.
Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda, to Indian-origin parents.
His mother is filmmaker Mira Nair, known for Salaam Bombay! and Monsoon Wedding.
His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a renowned scholar at Columbia University.
Mamdani spent his early years in Cape Town and moved to New York at seven.
The Indian-origin lawmaker graduated from Bowdoin College in 2014.
Before becoming Mayor, he represented Astoria and Long Island City in the State Assembly.
Mamdani married Syrian artist Rama Duwaji earlier this year.
Rooted in Uganda, India, and New York, Mamdani’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.