Donald Trump calls him a “Communist”. At 33, member of the New York State Assembly and last-minute candidate for mayor of New York. Zohran Mamdani embodies much more than an outsider: he has become the “revelation” of the Democratic Party, for an election which takes place this Tuesday, November 4, 2025. But who is this candidate who scares the Republican Party?
Zohran Mamdani was not born in the United States, he is from Uganda. His family left Africa when he was 7 years old, in 1998, for America. The Muslim by faith graduated from Bowdoin College. There he completed a degree in African-American studies, did a stint as a housing counselor then entered politics in 2017. A change of direction for the one who rapped in the New York subways under the name Young Cardamom then Mr. Cardamom. He first volunteered for the campaign of Khader El-Yateem, candidate for New York City Council. Mamdani subsequently becomes campaign manager for Ross Barkan’s unsuccessful run for the New York State Senate in 2018.
Entry into politics: from activist to symbol
In 2020, Zohran Mamdani was elected to the New York State Assembly for the 36th district (Astoria, Queens). Supported by the movement Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)he is part of this wave of young left-wing elected officials inspired by Bernie Sanders And Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. His speech contrasts with that of traditional Democrats: he pleads for free public transport, a rent freeze, fairer taxation and massive investments in public services. “ It’s not radical to want everyone to be able to find housing, health care and transportation. », he often repeats in his meetings.
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Its popularity continues to grow, particularly among young people and urban minorities. In 2025, he became the unexpected revelation of the Democratic primaries for mayor of New York, winning the nomination against much more established figures like Andrew Cuomo.
Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary on June 24, 2025 for mayor of New York City. Defeating former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in a result described as ” political earthquake “. “ Tonight we made history“, he declared to his supporters, assuring: “I will be your Democratic candidate for mayor of New York“.
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A victory that shakes up the Democratic Party
For his supporters, Zohran Mamdani embodies the rebirth of bold, moral American progressivism. Its program places social justice, affordable housing and the fight against racial and economic discrimination at the heart of its priorities. His direct style, his urban New York accent, and his ease in interacting with voters on TikTok or in cafes contribute to his image as apoliticianauthentic».
Mamdani does not define himself only as an elected official, but as a “organizer“, an activist serving the communities he represents. His method: listen, organize, and redistribute political power to the inhabitants of working-class neighborhoods. A positioning that does not suit everyone. His losing opponent in the Democratic primary, Andrew Cuomo, is running on an independent ticket. Zohran Mamdani also represents a fear for the Republicans. In a message posted Monday November 3, 2025, Donald Trump directly attacks the candidate.
This trajectory is not without challenges and criticism. Republicans and some moderate Democrats call him “radical”, even dangerous. Donald Trump directly attacked him, calling for people to vote against him. He also threatens to cut subsidies federal government to New York City if Mamdani were elected. His positions on Israel/Gaza have also sparked controversy, and his management experience is sometimes considered too limited given the responsibilities of a megacity like New York. A few hours before the election, Mamdani is presented in the lead in the polls with 43% of channel intentions. A major challenge for a city of more than 8 million inhabitants.
What does Zohran Mamdani offer?
First, its component housing and cost of living is intended to be structuring. Mamdani suggests immediately freeze rents for apartments subject to regulation (“rent-stabilized”) in order to relieve tenants faced with soaring prices. It also provides for the construction of 200,000 new affordable housing units over 10 years, financed by the city and intended for the working classes. In addition, he wants to fight against negligent owners: in particular through the renovation of housing control agencies, the right for the city to repair and re-invoice recalcitrant owners. He also wants to increase the minimum wage from $16.5 per hour to $30 by 2030.
