Draft:Zohran Mamdani
| Zohran Mamdani | |
|---|---|
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| Name | Zohran Mamdani |
| Other Names | Zohran Ghawam Mamdani |
| Personal Details | |
| Birth Place |
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| Brith Date | October 18 |
| Religion | Islam |
Zohran Mamdani, Representative of District 36 in the State Assembly and the first Muslim mayor, belonging to the Khoja community (Khoja), of Indian descent, who won the 2025 CE elections with 52 percent of the vote. Condemnation of US air strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, serious opposition to Donald Trump, criticism of Israel in the Gaza War, and support for Palestine; are among his viewpoints.
Biography
Zohran Ghawam Mamdani was born on October 18, 1991 CE, in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, to a family of Indian descent. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, was a theorist of the post-colonial movement and a professor at Columbia University, and his mother, Fatima Raja, was a researcher and women's rights activist. Due to the political conditions in Uganda, his family migrated to New York in 1991 CE and settled in the Queens neighborhood, where Zohran first experienced racial discrimination, economic pressure, and immigrant problems.
Education
He migrated to New York with his family at the age of 7 and completed his elementary and secondary education at the famous Bronx High School of Science. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from "Bowdoin College" and then a Master of Arts in International Relations from Columbia University, and during his student years, he played an active role in the "Occupy Wall Street" protests and there founded the "Students for Palestine" association[1].
Religion and Sect
Zohran Mamdani belongs to the Khoja community (Khoja), a branch of Shias with roots in South Asia (Gujarat and Sindh), which although culturally and historically different from Shias of Iran, nevertheless share common principles of belief. His father was Muslim and his mother was Hindu, and he was raised in an interfaith family and participates in Islamic and Hindu festivals and holidays. However, he considers himself a Twelver Shia and participates in Ashura ceremonies[2].
Activities
Mamdani was attracted to social activities from adolescence and alongside his studies, entered the world of music under the stage name "Mr. Cardamom" and in his works criticized capitalism and social injustice, and this path led him to direct connection with groups of immigrant and marginalized youth. He worked as a consultant for foreclosure prevention and housing and helped low-income homeowners of color in Queens regarding eviction notices and efforts to stay in their homes. In 2017 CE, he joined the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) movement. In 2020 CE, he entered the State Assembly as the Representative of District 36 of New York. The main axes of his activities were: affordable housing, free and equitable education, criminal justice and reduction of police violence, increasing the minimum wage; during this period he supported major plans such as: "Green New Deal for New York".
Victory in New York City Mayoral Election
Mamdani entered the race as an independent candidate in the November 2025 CE elections, following widespread scandals of the former mayor. His campaign with the slogan "New York for Everyone" focused on three main crises: increasing homelessness, class gap and inequality, and climate change and urban pollution. He won with 52 percent of the vote and earned the title of the first socialist mayor of New York in the recent decade. His programs as mayor include:
- $50 billion investment for construction and renovation of public housing;
- Reducing the police budget and allocating it to social services, health, and education;
- Developing free and green public transportation;
- Combating structural Racism and supporting immigrants.
Reactions
Donald Trump
Donald Trump following the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor, wrote in a cryptic message on Truth Social: "... and so it begins!" He also wrote in response to the results of the US mayoral and gubernatorial elections: "The fact that Trump's name was not on the ballot and the federal government shutdown were two factors that caused Republicans to lose in tonight's elections".
Former President of the United States
Following Zohran Mamdani's victory, Barack Obama, former President of the United States wrote on the X platform: "Congratulations to all Democratic candidates who won tonight. This is a reminder that when we come together behind strong and forward-looking leaders who care about important issues, we can win. We still have much work to do, but the future looks a little brighter".
Former US President
Bill Clinton, former US President, wrote on the X platform: "Regarding your election as the next mayor of New York City; I wish you success in your efforts to turn the enthusiasm and passion of your campaign into building a better, fairer, and more affordable New York".
Former United States Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State of the United States and wife of Bill Clinton, wrote on X: "This year, more people voted in the New York City elections than in the past 50 years. This is a victory for democracy and a testament to Zohran Mamdani's inspiring campaign. Congratulations to the next mayor of the world's largest city".
Independent Senator from the State of Vermont
The independent senator from the state of Vermont, who grew up in Brooklyn, expressed joy at Mamdani's victory. Sanders, who had endorsed this democratic socialist in June, wrote on the X platform: "After Mamdani started at one percent in the polls, he has now created one of the biggest political surprises in modern American history". Senator Sanders added: "We can create a government that represents workers, not the one percent. I look forward to working with Zohran as he builds a city that works for everyone".
Ambassador of the Zionist Regime to the US
Danny Danon, Ambassador of the Zionist regime to the US, wrote on X: "Mamdani's inflammatory statements will not deter us. The Jews community in New York and across the United States deserves security and respect. We will continue to strengthen our relations with leaders of the Jewish community to ensure their security and well-being".
Consul General of the Zionist Regime
The Consul General of the Zionist regime in New York and former Likud minister described Zohran Mamdani as "a clear and immediate danger to the Jewish community of New York". According to him, Mamdani is considered a "danger" due to his support for pro-Palestine demonstrations in the city. He claimed that Mamdani allows "pro-terrorism demonstrators, who are mistakenly labeled here as pro-Palestine", to protest and "riot" in the streets of New York.
Minister of Diaspora Jewish Affairs outside the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Also, the Minister of Diaspora Jewish Affairs outside the Occupied Palestinian Territories said: The election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York is a global event, not just an American one. He noted: "Israel is not necessarily the main factor for New York Jews voting for Zohran Mamdani"[3].
Views
Condemnation of United States Airstrikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities
Mamdani strongly criticized the United States airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling it an illegal military action and the initiator of a new chapter of international instability. In his view, the policy of the US regarding Iran, including the use of force without congressional consultation, is an example of "breach of agreement" and prioritizing military costs over social justice.
Strong Opposition to Donald Trump
He has been a staunch opponent of Donald Trump, the President of the US, and has assessed Trump's threats to arrest or deport him as an African-born politician as an "attack on democracy" and a tactic to suppress the voice of the working class. He emphasizes that Trump failed to meet the economic demands of the people during his presidency, such as reducing the cost of living. While Trump has called Mamdani a communist and a disaster, Mamdani has stated that Trump wants to ignite the fire of discord to cover up the failure of his programs in supporting the working class. Trump has introduced Mamdani as a threat to the political and economic ideology of the United States, and in contrast, Mamdani has considered Trump's attempt to ideologize this confrontation as an effort to cover up the failure to address the economic and livelihood problems of the people.
Controversial Stances on Israel and Palestine
Mamdani's positions on the Gaza War and the conflict between Palestine and Israel are among the most controversial aspects of his activities. He has always been a staunch supporter of Palestinians and has strongly criticized Israel's policies. He introduced a bill in the New York State Assembly to revoke tax exemptions for institutions that assist Israeli settlements violating human rights laws. Mamdani has repeatedly accused Israel of genocide in Gaza and following an Apartheid policy, stating that Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, should be prosecuted. In an interview, he said: "I cannot support the existence of any state that is built on religious inequality or any other criterion. Equality must be implemented in all countries of the world". However, he later said in an interview on "The Late Show" that he believes in the right to existence of Israel as a country and emphasized: "All countries have the right to existence and have a duty to comply with international laws". He also announced that if elected as mayor, he intends to enforce the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu and arrest him at the airport[4].
Zohran Mamdani's Views on the "LGBTQ+" Community
Zohran Mamdani is considered one of the most explicit and active supporters of the rights of the "LGBTQ+" community among New York politicians. He has always emphasized the necessity of guaranteeing the full rights of this community and promised to turn New York into a "Sanctuary City" if elected mayor. He has also defended allocating budget for providing medical services to transgender individuals, especially in the field of gender-affirming treatments. Mamdani believes that the city hall should be at the forefront of supporting these individuals and no one should face discrimination due to their gender identity or sexual orientation. He repeatedly attended marches and events related to this target community during his election campaign and spoke about establishing a special office for "LGBTQIA+" affairs in the city hall. His goal from this action is to create a formal institution to pursue the demands of this community in areas such as housing, employment, and health. Mamdani also participated in the New York Pride ceremony and referred to this presence as an opportunity to show real solidarity with this group; a presence that had a wide reflection in the media and added to his position as one of the prominent supporters of this community. Mamdani has now emerged as a different figure, not only in New York but across America; a Muslim, child of immigrants, social activist, and representative of the progressive movement who has unusually managed to enter the field of macro-politics through a popular campaign. He has become a symbol of a new wave of Democrats who challenge the traditional structure of politics in America with the slogan of social justice, reducing the cost of living, and fighting discrimination; regardless of whether he becomes mayor or not, his name is now registered in the political history of America.
See Also
Footnotes
- ↑ Who is Zohran Mamdani? |Shia Mayor of New York and New Star of the Democratic Party, Rooydad 24.
- ↑ Who is Zohran Mamdani? Biography of the Muslim Mayor of New York.
- ↑ Reactions to Mamdani's surprising victory in the US elections, ISNA news agency website.
- ↑ Decoding Zohran Mamdani's File; Who Is He?! , Tabnak Website.
References
- Who is Zohran Mamdani? |Shiite Mayor of New York and New Star of the Democratic Party, Roydad 24, Publication Date: 14 Aban 1404 SH, Access Date: 15 Aban 1404 SH.
- Reactions to Mamdani's Surprising Victory in the US Elections, ISNA News Agency Website, Publication Date: 14 Aban 1404 SH, Access Date: 15 Aban 1404 SH.
- Who is Zohran Mamdani? Biography of the Muslim Mayor of New York, Publication Date: 14 Aban 1404 SH, Access Date: 15 Aban 1404 SH.
- Decoding Zohran Mamdani's File; Who Is He?! , Tabnak Website, Publication Date: 14 Aban 1404 SH, Access Date: 15 Aban 1404 SH.