34-year-old Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has won New York City’s mayoral race, defeating his fierce opponents Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. Known for his modest lifestyle, no car and a rented apartment, Mamdani built his campaign around working-class issues and a people-first message that won over voters across the city.
His victory marks the second time he has beaten former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, crushing the veteran politician’s hopes of a comeback after June’s Democratic primary. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa also stayed in the race despite pressure from Cuomo’s camp to step aside.
Who is Zohran Mamdani?
Mamdani, a three-term state assemblyman, wasn’t considered a top contender when he joined the race. Born in Uganda and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, he moved to New York City when he was seven. Mamdani went to Bronx High School of Science and later graduated from Bowdoin College. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a professor at Columbia University, while his mother, Mira Nair, is the renowned Indian filmmaker known for Monsoon Wedding and Mississippi Masala.
Before entering politics, Mamdani worked as a housing counselor, and even had brief career as a rapper. He performed under the name Mr. Cardamom. When an old music video of his song resurfaced during the campaign, showing him shirtless in an apron, rivals mocked him for being inexperienced, but his campaign aide Andrew Epstein defended him. “Running for office takes courage,” Epstein said. “Zohran already had that. You can’t be afraid of embarrassment if you want to connect with people.
Zohran Mamdani net worth
For someone who just won the race to become New York City’s next mayor, Zohran Mamdani isn’t living the millionaire life. The 34-year-old Democratic socialist has built his campaign around working-class values. According to Forbes, Mamdani’s estimated net worth stands at around $200,000 (₹1.71 crore) as of 2025. That’s a small fraction of what his rival Andrew Cuomo is worth — the former New York governor’s fortune is reportedly around $10 million.
He lives in a rent-stabilised apartment in Astoria, paying around $2,250 a month. Unlike many politicians, he doesn’t own a car, instead, he takes the subway to work and campaign events, often spotted carrying his own backpack.
A campaign built on connection
Throughout his campaign, Mamdani reached voters in person and online. He communicated to them in multiple languages including Urdu, Bangla, Spanish, and Arabic. His social media videos often showed him chatting with New Yorkers, not high profile politicians or billionaires.
One of his most viral clips, titled “Halal-flation,” showed him talking with food cart vendors about rising meal prices. While business-backed super PACs poured millions into attack ads, Mamdani turned the election into a clear choice between working people and billionaires.
His mayoral vision: For the people, not the billionaires
Running on a progressive agenda, Mamdani promises to freeze rent, make buses and childcare free, and open city-owned grocery stores. He’s also proposing a new Department of Community Safety to replace traditional policing with a public health approach. His grassroots campaign has already out-fundraised all others in its first cycle.