Zohran Mamdani Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Elections, Ethnicity, Net Worth
Zohran Mamdani Biography
Zohran Kwame Mamdani, born on October 18, 1991, is a New York State Assemblymember and the 2025 Democratic nominee for NYC mayor.
He was born in Kampala, Uganda, and moved to New York at age seven with his family. His parents are Mira Nair, an acclaimed filmmaker, and Mahmood Mamdani, a renowned academic.
Mamdani earned a Bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College. Before entering politics, he worked as a foreclosure prevention counselor in Queens. He also pursued music under the stage name Young Cardamom / Mr. Cardamom.
In 2020, Mamdani defeated a five-term incumbent to win the 36th Assembly District seat. He was re-elected in 2022 and 2024 without opposition.
In October 2024, he announced his NYC mayoral campaign, focusing on free buses, public child care, rent freezes, a $30 minimum wage, and tax reforms for the wealthy.
As a democratic socialist, Mamdani advocates for affordable housing and public safety reform. His grassroots campaign gained national attention after he defeated Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary.
He holds dual U.S. and Ugandan citizenship and practices Shia Islam. In 2025, he married Rama Duwaji, an artist and illustrator.
Zohran Mamdani Age
How old is Zohran Mamdani?
Zohran was born on October 18, 1991, which makes him 34 years old as of November 2025. He hails from Kampala, Uganda, and moved to New York at age 7. He is the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor and a New York State Assemblymember representing Queens.
Zohran Mamdani Height
How tall is Zohran Mamdani?
Mamdani stands at an estimated height of 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). His tall and confident presence complements his active political image. Moreover, his composed demeanor and professional appearance reflect his leadership qualities. Zohran’s height adds to his charismatic and engaging public personality.
Zohran Mamdani Wife
Is Zohran Mamdani married?
Zohran Mamdani married Rama Duwaji in early 2025. Rama is a Brooklyn-based Syrian-American illustrator and animator. They met through the dating app Hinge and got engaged in Dubai in December 2024. His wife often stays behind the scenes but supports his political journey. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Illustration and has collaborated with major outlets like The New Yorker and BBC. Mamdani describes her as “an incredible artist who deserves to be known on her own terms.” Their marriage reflects a strong bond rooted in creativity and shared values.
Zohran Mamdani Ethnicity and Cultural Background
Zohran Mamdani traces his heritage to Indian-origin parents, with deep roots in Uganda and East Africa. His father hails from Gujarat and his mother is Punjabi Hindu, both belonging to the Indian diaspora in East Africa. Moreover, Zohran was born in Kampala, Uganda, and later moved to New York City at age seven. Consequently, he identifies as Indian-Ugandan American, blending South Asian, African and American identities. His multicultural background shapes his political outlook and resonates with New York’s richly diverse communities.
Zohran Mamdani’s Religion
Zohran Mamdani publicly states that he is Muslim, identifying with the faith and its traditions. Furthermore, his religious identity plays a meaningful role in his public life and campaigns. For instance, he often references community experiences of being a Muslim in New York City, especially post-9/11. As such, his faith provides both personal grounding and political context in his work. Moreover, he emphasizes inclusive values rooted in his Muslim identity, while also engaging across a broad spectrum of religious and cultural groups in the diverse city of New York.
Zohran Mamdani Parents
Zohran Mamdani is the son of Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani. His mother, Mira Nair, is an acclaimed Indian-American filmmaker known for directing Monsoon Wedding and The Namesake. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a Ugandan academic of Indian origin and a professor at Columbia University. Together, they exposed Zohran to rich discussions on colonialism, culture, and social justice, shaping his progressive political outlook. Their global perspectives and dedication to education inspired Zohran’s passion for equality, representation, and community-driven leadership, influencing his path as a Democratic socialist and New York State Assemblymember.
Zohran Mamdani’s Education
Zohran attended the prestigious Bronx High School of Science in New York. Later, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College, graduating in 2014. His academic foundation in Africana studies informs his progressive policy focus. Additionally, during college he engaged in social-justice initiatives and sharpened his leadership skills. This educational journey helps shape Mamdani’s approach to inclusive governance and public service.
Zohran Mamdani New York Mayor Election 2025 Results and Race Updates
Zohran achieved a major milestone by winning the Democratic nomination in the 2025 New York City mayoral election. He defeated Andrew Cuomo with approximately 56% of the final ranked-choice votes, securing a decisive lead.
He dominated in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, while Cuomo performed stronger in the Bronx and Staten Island. The mayoral race now advances to the November 2025 general election, where Mamdani faces Cuomo (Independent) and Curtis Sliwa (Republican). His victory reflects a growing progressive movement and signals a major political shift among young and diverse New York voters.
Zohran Mamdani Polls
Recent polls show Zohran Mamdani maintaining a strong lead in the 2025 New York City mayoral race. Surveys indicate he leads Andrew Cuomo by 16 points among likely voters. Another poll showed his advantage increasing to 19 points, demonstrating growing support across the city.
However, later polls revealed his lead narrowing to a 10-point gap, suggesting a more competitive race. Despite fluctuations, Mamdani remains the frontrunner, particularly among young and progressive voters. His momentum reflects widespread enthusiasm for his progressive platform and his appeal to New Yorkers seeking transformational leadership.
Zohran Mamdani’s Policies
Zohran Mamdani champions bold and progressive policies centered on affordability, sustainability, and social equity. He proposes a $30 minimum wage by 2030 for New York City workers and advocates a rent freeze on stabilized apartments to protect struggling tenants. He also supports free public buses and aims to launch city-run grocery stores to lower food costs. His agenda further prioritizes universal child care from birth to age five and plans to build 200,000 affordable housing units in a decade. Additionally, he seeks higher taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals to fund these initiatives and advance his vision for a more inclusive and just city.
Zohran Mamdani Net Worth
Zohran Mamdani currently has an estimated net worth of about $200,000. He earns a salary of approximately $142,000 annually as a state assembly member. Moreover, he reports additional minor income from past music royalties. Despite his progressive platform, his personal wealth remains relatively modest.
