Johran Mamdani, a young Muslim from Uganda, wins New York

Hakikul Islam Khokon,
Zohran Mamdani, who came to New York as a child from Kampala, Uganda, was an unknown face in politics even a year ago. Now, at age 34, he is New York’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor—whose influence has spread beyond the city to all of America, even the world.
His rise as a democratic socialist was lightning fast. Through youth voter activism, grassroots campaigning and humorous yet humane messages on social media, he created a new political genre.

His popular slogan ‘Life should not be so difficult’ quickly went viral. Sometimes coining the term ‘Halalflation’, sometimes pledging to jump the Coney Island cold wave or promising to stabilize rents—these make him a symbol of the politics of the younger generation.

An impromptu marriage scene on a subway train or a comment against fare hikes while running a marathon—in these moments he becomes representative of the common man. Last year, he released a controversial video about working-class black and immigrant voters, in which they explained why some voted for Trump or abstained.

On the other hand, while politicians like former Gov. Andrew Cuomo campaigned on the money of wealthy donors, Mamdani was among the people—even talking head-to-head with his critics. As a result, he became a young alternative to the ‘old politics’.

Born in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani moved to New York with his family at the age of seven. His mother Mira Nair is a renowned filmmaker, father Mahmud Mamdani is a professor at Columbia University. While attending the Bronx High School of Science, he formed the school’s first cricket team. He later completed a BA in Africana Studies at Bowdoin College and founded the ‘Students for Justice in Palestine’ chapter there. He acquired US citizenship in 2018.

Before entering politics, Mamdani worked as a community organizer and foreclosure prevention consultant. In 2020, he made history as the first South Asian, the first Ugandan and the third Muslim to be elected as a representative from the 36th district of New York State.

In 2021, she met Syrian-born artist Rama Duaji and married at City Hall earlier this year.

After a landslide victory in the Democratic mayoral primary last June, he gradually gained the support of top Democrats, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. Small grassroots donations also boosted his campaign.

He has drawn young and first-time voters into politics through policy-driven content on TikTok and Instagram. His pledges—to rein in rents, improve living standards, affordable child care, accessible grocery markets and public transportation. He also proposed raising taxes on the wealthy, raising corporate taxes and city-owned grocery stores.

Despite an opposition campaign filled with racism and Islamophobia, Mamdani campaigned in Urdu, Hindi and Spanish—from mosques to night-shift factories. Pride in Muslim identity, stance on the Gaza issue and vocal role in protecting the rights of immigrants have made him a symbol of inspiration for a new generation.

He is a point of contention for Republicans, and a dangerous new trend for the Democratic mainstream. But his policies resonated deeply with thousands of New Yorkers—especially young people, who are tired of rising living costs and stagnant politics.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s threat to deploy the National Guard, the fear of stopping federal funding, and even the threat of Mamdani being ‘expelled’ – all in all, this election has created a historic turning point in US politics.

Mamdani’s rise as a young Muslim of the post-9/11 generation comes at a time when white nationalism and authoritarianism are resurgent in America. Yet he remained steadfast in his core message—”to make life in New York more affordable and fair, to speak out against injustice.”

Now, Zohran Mamdani is ushering in a new chapter in American politics as New York’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor. There are many challenges ahead, but the city is looking forward to a new sunrise