5 things to know about Zohran Mamdani, who shocked political world in NYC Democratic primary

Five years ago, during COVID-19, foreclosure housing counselor Zohran Mamdani, at just 29 years old and unknown to most New Yorkers, was elected to the state Assembly.

Now 33, with a shorter political resume than most of his challengers, the democratic socialist Mamdani declared victory early Wednesday in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor.

His campaign, which focused on promising to make New York City more affordable by taxing the rich and expanding free social programs, connected with young voters and raised $1.7 million from 20,700 contributors, with matching funds of $8.76 million under the city’s program.

In contrast, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo had raised $4 million from 5,730 contributors.

Here are five things to know about Zohran Mamdani:

Political newcomer

He was first elected to the Assembly in 2021. He continues to represent the 36th District, which includes Astoria, Ditmars-Steinway and Astoria Heights, in northwest Queens. His previous work as a foreclosure housing counselor inspired him to run for office, according to his website. He is a democratic socialist, an ideology that advocates shifting power from corporations to workers, among other tenets.

Could make history

If elected in November, he would be New York's first Muslim and first millennial mayor. Born in Uganda to Indian parents, he immigrated to the United States at the age of 7. He attended Bronx High School of Science and Bowdoin College and became a naturalized citizen in 2018, according to his Assembly website. If elected, he would be the city’s youngest mayor in a century, The New York Times reported.

An 'affordable city'

Mamdani campaigned on creating an affordable city, with policies promising to impose higher taxes on large corporations and residents earning over $1 million; a police-supplementing Department of Community Safety with a $1.1 billion budget; and turning the subway system's empty storefronts and underground vacant spaces into drop-in hubs for the homeless and mentally ill. He advocated for free child care and bus fare for New Yorkers, as well as opening municipal grocery stores. He campaigned on freezing rent on rent-stabilized apartments.

Outspoken on Gaza

Mamdani has been outspoken about Israel’s actions in Gaza and has said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be charged with war crimes. He has supported the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement to pressure Israel to end unequal treatment of Palestinians. Mamdani has rejected claims that pro-Palestinian advocacy is akin to antisemitism.

Social media campaigner

As a millennial candidate who met his wife, Rama Duwaji, on the dating app Hinge, Mamdani capitalized on the use of social media and successfully connected with young voters. On New Year’s Day, a TikTok video showed Mamdani taking a polar plunge to symbolize how he would freeze rents as mayor. Days before the primary, he posted a social media video of himself walking the length of Manhattan and taking selfies with New Yorkers. With 409,100 followers on TikTok, Mamdani has appeared on podcasts and various influencer accounts, making him accessible to a wide audience.

Newsday's Matthew Chayes contributed to this story.