Mamdani’s Rise: A Shift in American Power?
Zahran Mamdani’s campaign has been hit by a wave of anti-Islamic rhetoric aimed at the Democratic candidate, who would become the first Muslim mayor of New York City if he wins in November.
Simultaneously with the US federal government shutdown, state elections will be held on Tuesday, November 4, in some US states for governor, mayor, councils, and state legislatures. This is the first serious test of voters’ reaction to the current government’s performance, and it has become doubly important given the shutdown of Donald Trump’s administration due to the failure to pass the 2026 budget bill in Congress.
Zahran Kwame Mamdani is a politician, social activist, and member of the New York State Assembly. He was born in Kampala, Uganda, and immigrated to New York City with his family at the age of seven.
He attended public schools in New York City and graduated from Bronx High School of Science. Mamdani received a bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018.
Before entering politics, Zahran worked as a foreclosure prevention consultant, helping low-income homeowners in Queens avoid evictions. His experience with an unfair economic and banking system led him to enter politics to fight for change.
His social activism began in high school, where he learned how collaboration can turn ideas into reality by founding his school’s first cricket team. While in college, he co-founded the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter and has worked nationally with progressive organizations to expand healthcare and run for office.
In addition to politics, Zahran has experience in film, rap music, and writing, but he has always seen community organizing as a way to turn frustration into action.
As the representative for the 36th New York State Assembly District (which includes the neighborhoods of Astoria, Detmars-Steinway, and Astoria Heights), he works for a future where every New Yorker can live a life of dignity; a future where housing, energy, and justice are for all, not just a select few.
Zahran Mamdani is the first South Asian, the first Ugandan, and only the third Muslim in the history of the New York State Assembly. He sees his mission as representing and making the voices of marginalized communities heard.