| Human Profile | |
| Name: | Zohran Kwame Mamdani |
| Birthday: | October 18, 1991 (age 34 years), Born in Kampala, Uganda |
| Height: | 5'11" (180 cm) |
| Education: | The Bronx High School of Science (Diploma) Bowdoin College (BA), Africana studies |
Overview
Zohran Kwame Mamdani is a Ugandan-born American politician, the son of academic Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair, who serves as the 112th Mayor of New York City and is the first Muslim and first Asian American to hold the office.
Latest News (Jan 11, 2026): On January 11, a federal bankruptcy judge delivered a legal setback to Mayor Zohran Mamdani, blocking his administration's effort to intervene in the sale of thousands of rent-stabilized rental properties. Additionally, on January 10, Mayor Mamdani announced a $4 million commitment to expand public bathroom access across New York City, planning a pilot program to install 20-30 modular bathrooms.
Early Life and Education
Zohran Kwame Mamdani was born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda, to Indian parents. His father is the academic Mahmood Mamdani, and his mother is the filmmaker Mira Nair. At the age of seven, after a period in Cape Town, South Africa, his family relocated to New York City. Mamdani graduated from Bronx High School of Science and later attended Bowdoin College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree.
Political Beginnings
A member of the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America, Mamdani began his political career in the New York State Assembly. In 2020, he was elected to represent the 36th district, which includes the Queens neighborhood of Astoria, after defeating the incumbent in the Democratic primary. He served in the State Assembly from 2021 to 2025.
Mayoral Candidacy and Election
In October 2024, Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced his candidacy for the 2025 New York City mayoral election. His progressive platform focused on affordability, with proposals for fare-free city buses, universal public child care, city-owned grocery stores, and a rent freeze on rent-stabilized units. His campaign utilized social media to engage with younger voters. On November 4, 2025, he was elected the 112th Mayor of New York City.
Mayoralty of New York City
Zohran Kwame Mamdani assumed office as Mayor of New York City on January 1, 2026. His inauguration made him the city’s first Muslim and first Asian American mayor. The oath of office was administered by New York Attorney General Letitia James in a private ceremony held in the abandoned City Hall subway station just after midnight. For the ceremony, he used two copies of the Quran. A public inauguration ceremony was held later that day, where he was sworn in by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders.
Personal Life
Zohran Kwame Mamdani is married to Rama Duwaji. He became a United States citizen in 2018.