In a stunning turn of events, Zohran Mamdani has emerged as the frontrunner in the race for New York City’s mayoral seat, following an unexpected primary victory. As the city gears up for the election on November 4, Mamdani finds himself leading the polls against his competitors, Republican Curtis Sliwa and independent Andrew Cuomo. This remarkable development comes after Mamdani’s surprising defeat of Cuomo in the Democratic primary.

The upcoming election will determine the successor of the current mayor, Eric Adams, who announced in September that he would not seek reelection. Mamdani, who currently serves as a state assemblyman, is recognized for his identification as a Democratic socialist and his progressive stance on various issues. His political platform has resonated with a broad spectrum of voters, propelling him to a favorable position in the race.

Notably, Mamdani has garnered significant support among Jewish voters, a demographic that could play a crucial role in the election outcome. Born in Kampala, Uganda, in 1991 to parents of Indian descent, Mamdani moved to the United States with his family when he was just seven years old. His diverse background and progressive policies have captured the attention of many New Yorkers seeking change in their city’s leadership.

Who is Zohran Mamdani?

Mamdani is a current state assemblyman who identifies as a Democratic socialist and has also been termed a progressive.

Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda, in 1991 to parents of Indian descent. The Mamdani family immigrated to the U.S. when he was 7 years old.

He attended Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, and graduated with a degree in Africana studies in 2014. He became a naturalized citizen in 2018. Mamdani is Muslim and is married to animator Rama Duwaji.

Before running for state assemblyman, Mamdani worked as a foreclosure prevention and housing counselor, helping people avoid eviction or foreclosure. He has also composed and produced rap music.

He has served as the state representative for New York’s 36th State Assembly district since 2020.

What are Zohran Mamdani’s views on the war in Gaza?

Mamdani has been critical of Israel and supportive of Palestine and has said he believes the country is committing genocide in Gaza.

He has said that if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu comes to New York, he should be arrested in accordance with a warrant obtained by the International Criminal Court.

What are Zohran Mamdani’s views on immigration?

Mamdani supports New York’s sanctuary laws and has advocated for strengthening them to limit which actions Immigration and Customs Enforcement can take.

He has also pledged that if he becomes mayor, all detained immigrants will be given legal counsel.

What are Zohran Mamdani’s views on crime?

Mamdani has advocated for a community-based approach to crime, including homeless outreach, anti-violence programs, expanded mental health outreach and programs to support long-term stability and recovery.

He has proposed a civilian-run mental health organization that could be dispatched to mental health crisis 911 calls instead of police.

Although Mamdani has called for defunding the police in the past, he has said he would work with the New York City Police Department as mayor when it comes to responding to violent crime.

Who has endorsed Zohran Mamdani?

Mamdani has received endorsements from Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

He also has endorsement from Reps. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., as well as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York Attorney General Letitia James and former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich.

The general election for New York City’s mayoral race is Tuesday, Nov. 4.