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Business Standard
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Who is Zohran Mamdani, Indian-origin assemblyman running for NYC mayor?
Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Assemblyman from Queens, New York, has suddenly emerged as one of the most talked-about candidates in the upcoming New York mayoral election, scheduled for June 24. The Indian-origin politician is now polling second, right behind former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and has captured attention with his progressive platform and viral social media presence. But with popularity has come backlash. Mamdani, who is a Democratic Socialist, is now facing increasing attacks from far-right groups and critics online — many of whom accuse him of anti-Israel and divisive rhetoric. Who is Zohran Mamdani? Born in Kampala, Uganda, to a renowned intellectual family, Zohran Mamdani moved to New York City at the age of seven. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a well-known Ugandan author and Marxist scholar of Indian descent, while his mother, Mira Nair, is an award-winning Indian-American filmmaker best known for 'Monsoon Wedding' and 'The Namesake'. Mamdani grew up in New York, studied in the city's public schools, graduated from the Bronx High School of Science, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College. He became a naturalised American citizen in 2018. Before entering politics, Mamdani worked as a housing counselor, assisting low-income families in Queens with housing, financial literacy, and foreclosure prevention. He is the first South Asian man and the first Ugandan to be elected to the New York State Assembly, and only the third Muslim ever to hold the position. From grassroots activist to mayoral challenger Mamdani entered politics with the Democratic Socialists of America in 2017. His early campaign work included stints with local progressive candidates like Tiffany Caban and Khader El-Yateem. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020 and re-elected unopposed in 2022 and 2024. Known for championing causes such as affordable housing, fare-free public transport, and a $30 minimum wage by 2030, Mamdani has sponsored 20 bills, three of which have become law. His policies are often inspired by Bernie Sanders and aim to make New York a more equitable city. 'This campaign is for every person who believes in the dignity of their neighbors and that the government's job is to actually make our lives better,' Mamdani said while announcing his mayoral bid. He is contesting against several prominent names, including Adrienne Adams, Speaker of the New York City Council; former hedge fund executive Whitney Tilson; and Andrew Cuomo, the former Governor of New York. Controversies: Israel, PM Modi, and 'India card' Despite his progressive credentials, Mamdani has come under fire for several of his remarks — especially those related to Israel and India. In a recent interview with Fox5's Good Day New York, Mamdani stated he does not support Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. 'Because I'm not comfortable supporting any state that has a hierarchy of citizenship on the basis of religion or anything else,' he told anchor Rosanna Scotto. 'In the way we have in this country, equality should be enshrined in every country in the world,' he added. His position sparked outrage among pro-Israel groups and conservative commentators, many of whom accused him of promoting anti-Semitism. Mamdani has also drawn criticism for his remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. When asked in an interview whether he would attend a hypothetical joint press conference with PM Modi if the Indian leader visited New York, Mamdani flatly said he would not. He further compared Modi to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Recently, Mamdani also faced backlash for releasing a Hindi-language, Bollywood-style campaign video. In the 2-minute-23-second video, Mamdani spoke directly to Indian voters in Hindi, blending New York politics with Indian cinematic flair. While some praised the cultural nod, many on social media accused him of playing the 'India card' for votes. 'Shame on you for spreading antisemitism and Hinduphobia. You don't represent New York City, you represent division and hate,' one user commented online. Others labelled his campaign style 'gimmicky' and accused him of identity politics. (With agency inputs)
Business Upturn
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Cosmetics Industry Icon Leonard A. Lauder, Chairman Emeritus, The Estée Lauder Companies, Passes Away
New York, United States: It is with deep sadness that The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL) announces that Chairman Emeritus Leonard A. Lauder passed away on June 14, at the age of 92, surrounded by family. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Leonard A. Lauder Mr. Lauder was born in 1933 in New York City, the oldest son of Estée and Joseph H. Lauder, the founders of The Estée Lauder Companies. He was a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science, the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, and the Officer Candidate School of the United States Navy. Mr. Lauder studied at Columbia University's Graduate School of Business. He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and as a Navy reservist, for which the U.S. Navy Supply Corps Foundation later recognized him with its Distinguished Alumni Award. He formally joined Estée Lauder in 1958, and for more than six decades, Mr. Lauder was a visionary and an innovator, helping transform the business from a handful of products sold under a single brand in U.S. stores to the multi-brand, global leader in prestige beauty that it is today. 'Throughout his life, my father worked tirelessly to build and transform the beauty industry, pioneering many of the innovations, trends, and best practices that are foundational to the industry today,' said William P. Lauder, son and Chair, Board of Directors, The Estée Lauder Companies. 'He was the most charitable man I have ever known, believing that art and education belonged to everyone, and championing the fight against diseases such as Alzheimer's and breast cancer. Above all, my father was a man who practiced kindness with everyone he met. His impact was enormous. He believed that employees were the heart and soul of our company, and they adored him and moments spent with him. His warmth and thoughtfulness made an imprint on our company, the industry, and, of course, our family. Together with my family, The Estée Lauder Companies, and the countless people he touched, we celebrate his extraordinary life.' Mr. Lauder served as President of The Estée Lauder Companies from 1972 to 1995 and as Chief Executive Officer from 1982 through 1999. He was named Chairman in 1995 and served in that role through June 2009. Throughout his tenure at the company, Mr. Lauder consistently challenged the status quo, developing and implementing innovative sales and marketing programs that revolutionized the beauty industry. He created the company's first research and development laboratory, brought in professional management at every level, and was the driving force behind The Estée Lauder Companies' international expansion, helping to increase the company's sales and profits exponentially. A legendary brand builder, Mr. Lauder led the launch of many brands including Aramis, Clinique, and Lab Series, among others. Until his death, he remained deeply involved in the company's acquisition strategy, including the acquisitions of Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone London, La Mer, and M∙A∙C. Speaking for The Estée Lauder Companies, President and Chief Executive Officer Stéphane de La Faverie said, 'Leonard Lauder was beloved by many and will be missed tremendously. To our employees at The Estée Lauder Companies, he was an inspiration and a champion. To the industry, he was an icon and pioneer, earning respect worldwide. His energy and vision helped shape our company and will continue to do so for generations to come. He was a deeply compassionate leader who cared profoundly about every person in the company. I feel privileged to have worked with Leonard, who has been the best mentor I could have dreamt to learn from. He will be remembered by all of us.' During his many years as Chairman Emeritus, Mr. Lauder was closely involved in the business and day-to-day operations of the company and was a constant fixture at The Estée Lauder Companies' global headquarters in New York and at our stores and counters across the globe until the time of his death. Mr. Lauder believed that each of his colleagues was like a member of his family and treated them as such. The values that continue to set the company apart are the values he so strongly believed in and embodied, most notably generosity of spirit and kindness toward all. Perhaps the role Mr. Lauder was most proud of was the unofficial one as The Estée Lauder Companies' 'chief teaching officer.' He believed that a company's wealth is its people and focused on mentoring and fostering growth within the company's diverse talent pool. He believed strongly in the importance of recognition and gratitude and was a tireless advocate for employees. At the onset of the global pandemic in 2020, Mr. Lauder was instrumental in setting up the ELC Cares Employee Relief Fund to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of employees and their families. Mr. Lauder was deeply involved in medical research, education, art, foreign policy, and philanthropy, and the marks he made on those worlds were transformational. Mr. Lauder believed passionately in the importance of public access to art and museums, which inspired his philosophy that the primary role of a collector was to conserve, not possess. He was a long-time supporter of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) and, in 2013, pledged his 78-piece collection of Cubist art to the museum in the largest single philanthropic gift in the Met's history. He later added five major works to that promised gift. In concert with his Cubist collection donation, he helped establish the Leonard A. Lauder Research Center for Modern Art at the Met to support a robust program of fellowships, focused exhibitions, and public lectures. Along with his prominent presence at the Met, he also served as the Whitney Museum of American Art's Chairman Emeritus and a trustee from 1977 to 2011. Throughout his life, he donated works of art and endowed curatorial positions and research departments to numerous institutions. Mr. Lauder was a long-time advocate of cancer research and served as Honorary Chairman of the board of directors at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the organization his beloved late-wife, Evelyn H. Lauder, founded in 1993. He also championed the fight against Alzheimer's by co-founding and leading the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation with his brother, Ronald S. Lauder, which supports cutting-edge drug research. Mr. Lauder remained actively engaged with these organizations until his death, and they were extraordinarily dear to his heart. Remembering his brother, Ronald S. Lauder, Chairman, Clinique Laboratories, LLC at The Estée Lauder Companies, said, 'Leonard was a wonderful brother and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, colleague, and friend. But his legacy extends far beyond being the heart of our family. His impact will be felt for generations to come thanks to his tireless philanthropy, advocacy, and creativity in tackling some of the world's greatest challenges. The number of lives he touched and positively impacted across all his endeavors is immeasurable. His passion and generosity have inspired us all, and there are no words to express how much he will be missed.' 'My father was a remarkable man, a leader in business, a devoted philanthropist, and a deeply loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather,' said Gary M. Lauder, son and Member, Board of Directors, The Estée Lauder Companies. 'His energy, sharp intellect, and generous spirit touched the lives of so many across the world. To me, he was also a constant source of encouragement, wisdom, and love. His legacy is vast, not only in the beauty industry, but in the countless lives improved by his charitable efforts and his passionate commitment to the arts, education, and healthcare. He was not only well-respected and admired, but he was also adored by his employees and colleagues. This affection stands out for me. While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his extraordinary life, his lasting contributions, and the values he instilled in all of us: integrity, curiosity, and the importance of giving back. He will be missed more than words can express.' Mr. Lauder believed in the value of education and supported a variety of academic institutions. He was an emeritus trustee of the University of Pennsylvania and a founding member of the board of governors of its Joseph H. Lauder Institute of Management and International Studies, along with his brother, Ronald. His passion for education continued into the public space, having supported several schools in the New York area and receiving the honor of being an inductee into the Bronx High School of Science Hall of Fame in 2017. When the pandemic in 2020 magnified the nation's acute shortage of quality primary care in underserved communities, Mr. Lauder worked with the University of Pennsylvania to create a tuition-free program to educate nurse practitioners. His donation of $125 million, the largest gift ever to an American nursing school, made possible the Leonard A. Lauder Community Care Nurse Practitioner Program at the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Lauder worked throughout his life to promote dialogue among governments, political and non-governmental organizations, and the public and private sectors, believing that this interdisciplinary dialogue is crucial to progress. He served as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and as Chairman Emeritus and a lifetime trustee on the board of directors at the Aspen Institute. He felt that public service was a person's duty and, in addition to his time in the U.S. Navy, later served on the Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations under President Ronald Reagan from 1983–1987. Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Lauder was honored with a myriad of awards, including the 'Lone Sailor' Award given by the U.S. Navy Supply Corps Foundation, the Légion d'Honneur given by the government of France, the Women's Leadership Award given by the Lincoln Center Corporate Fund Women's Leadership Council, and the Palazzo Strozzi Renaissance Man of the Year Award. In 2020, he was inducted into the Retail Hall of Fame by the World Retail Congress. The Lauder family received the esteemed 2011 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in recognition of its long-standing commitment to philanthropy and public service. In 2014, Mr. Lauder was named a Living Landmark by the New York Landmarks Conservancy. Mr. Lauder and Ms. Glickman Lauder also received the Gordon Parks Foundation Patron of the Arts Award in 2016. Mr. Lauder shared many of the lessons he learned in business and life in his memoir, The Company I Keep: My Life in Beauty, published to great acclaim in 2020. He was married to Evelyn H. Lauder, Senior Corporate Vice President at The Estée Lauder Companies and the Founder of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, from 1959 until she passed away in 2011. On January 1, 2015, Mr. Lauder married Judy Glickman Lauder, a philanthropist and internationally recognized photographer whose work is represented in more than 300 public and private collections, including the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Whitney Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the United States Holocaust Museum. Mr. Lauder considered himself lucky in love and believed that lightning really could strike twice. From the beginning, he was devoted to family. He loved his parents and adored his brother, Ronald, and the family Ronald built with Jo Carole. His nieces and their families held a special place in his heart. Mr. Lauder was grateful to his wife, Judy, for widening his family circle and cherished his stepchildren and their families. But mostly, he was extraordinarily proud of both of his sons, their families, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved them so dearly. Mr. Lauder was a true visionary, fearless leader, and cherished friend to so many. He was the beacon of our company and the north star of an entire industry. The world is a better place because Leonard Lauder was in it. The Estée Lauder Companies extends our deepest sympathies to the entire Lauder family during this exceedingly difficult time. Mr. Lauder is survived by his wife, Judy Glickman Lauder; his son William P. Lauder; his son Gary M. Lauder and wife, Laura Lauder; five grandchildren, Rachel, Danielle, Djuna-Bear, Joshua, Eliana, two great-grandchildren, many stepchildren and step grandchildren, as well as his brother, Ronald S. Lauder, and wife, Jo Carole Lauder, and their daughters, Aerin Lauder and Jane Lauder. A private service will be held for friends and family. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation. About The Estée Lauder Companies The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (ELC) is one of the world's leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The company's products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD, and BALMAIN Beauty. ELC-C ELC-L View source version on Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
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First Post
11-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Who is Zohran Mamdani, Mira Nair's son, who is contesting in the NYC mayoral polls?
Zohran Mamdani, the Indian-origin Assemblyman from Queens, has emerged as a key contender in the 2025 New York City mayoral race. Mamdani, who is the son of filmmaker Mira Nair, is currently polling a close behind former New York governor Andrew Cuomo. If elected, Mamdani would be New York City's first Muslim and Indian-American mayor read more If elected, Zohran Mamdani would be New York City's first Muslim and Indian American mayor. File image/Reuters Zohran Mamdani, the Indian-origin New York State Assemblyman and son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, is making waves as an unexpected contender in the 2025 New York City mayoral race. The 33-year-old, who represents Queens, has jumped into second place in newly released polls, putting him within the striking distance of the current frontrunner, former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Once considered a relatively low-profile figure, Mamdani has quickly built momentum thanks to a mix of strong fundraising, progressive ideas, and social media savvy. Inspired by Senator Bernie Sanders, Mamdani is pitching himself as the bold alternative to Cuomo. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If elected, Zohran Mamdani would be New York City's first Muslim and Indian American mayor. Here's a closer look at who he is and why he's being called the candidate to watch. Who is Zohran Mamdani? -Zohran Mamdani was born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a well-known Indian-born Ugandan Marxist scholar, while his mother is acclaimed Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair. -When he was five, Mamdani moved with his family to Cape Town, South Africa. Two years later, they settled in New York City, where he eventually became a naturalised American citizen in 2018. -Mamdani completed his schooling at the Bronx High School of Science and later earned a degree in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College in 2014. While at Bowdoin, he co-founded the campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. -His political journey began with grassroots work, first as a foreclosure prevention counsellor, and then as a volunteer on local campaigns for figures like Ali Najmi, Khader El-Yateem, Ross Barkan, and Tiffany Caban. In 2017, he joined the Democratic Socialists of America. -Mamdani was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020 after winning the Democratic primary. He has represented Queens' 36th District since 2021 and was re-elected unopposed in both 2022 and 2024. -As an active member of the Democratic Socialists of America, he currently serves on several key committees. To date, he has sponsored 20 bills, three of which have been signed into law. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD -He officially entered the 2025 New York City mayoral race on October 23, 2024, shortly after federal investigations were launched into the administration of Mayor Eric Adams. Zohran Mamdani officially entered the 2025 New York City mayoral race on October 23, 2024, shortly after federal investigations were launched into the administration of Mayor Eric Adams. File photo/AFP -Outside politics, Mamdani has a creative side too. In 2019, he released a single called 'Nani' under the stage name Mr Cardamom. The music video featured none other than Madhur Jaffrey, the famed cookbook author and actress. -He is a practising Shia Muslim and recently married Rama Duwaji, a Syrian-born illustrator whose work has appeared in major outlets like The New Yorker and The Washington Post. The couple lives in Astoria, Queens. About Zohran Mamdani's bid for the NY mayoral polls Inspired by democratic socialist leader Bernie Sanders, Zohran Mamdani is campaigning on a bold progressive agenda. His platform includes ambitious goals: freezing rents, making buses and childcare free, launching a Department of Community Safety, introducing city-run grocery stores in areas with poor food access, and raising the minimum wage to $30 by 2030. On international issues, particularly Israel-Palestine, he has been vocal in supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. He also opposes illegal settlements, calls for ceasefires in Gaza, and stresses the importance of rejecting antisemitism while recognising Israel's right to exist. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At home, he's pushed for stronger anti-discrimination laws and spoken out against cuts to gender-affirming healthcare. His campaign has quickly gained traction. In its first fundraising cycle, it outpaced all other candidates, signalling strong grassroots support. Mamdani is also drawing on his South Asian heritage to connect with voters. He recently released a campaign video in Hindi, packed with references to iconic Bollywood films and dialogues. Billionaires ke paas already sab kuchh hai. Ab, aapka time aageya. Billionaires already have everything. Now, your time has come. — Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) June 4, 2025 Polling shows that while Andrew Cuomo is currently ahead in first-choice votes, ranked-choice projections show Mamdani narrowing the gap considerably, coming within two points of the former governor in the first round of New York City's ranked-choice voting system. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His campaign has already mobilised over 20,000 volunteers, canvassing across the city. Endorsements are rolling in too—from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to the Working Families Party and United Auto Workers' Shawn Fain. In a recent debate, Mamdani didn't hold back. He accused Cuomo of corruption and introduced himself as 'Donald Trump's worst nightmare', a 'progressive, Muslim immigrant' who isn't afraid to fight for what he believes in. New York City's Democratic primary is set for June 24, 2025. The election will use a ranked-choice voting system, allowing voters to rank up to five candidates in order of preference. With input from agencies
NDTV
08-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Who Is Zohran Mamdani, Indian-Origin Contesting New York Mayoral Polls
Indian-origin New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has emerged as a surprise contender in the 2025 New York mayoral race. Representing Queens, the 33-year-old is now polling second, just behind front-runner and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Once relatively unknown, Mr Mamdani gained traction with strong fundraising, progressive policies, and viral social media content. Pitching himself as the candidate to beat Mr Cuomo, Mr Mamdani is focusing on housing, public transit, and economic justice to win over voters. Who Is Zohran Mamdani? Zohran Mamdani was born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda. His father is Mahmood Mamdani, an Indian-born Ugandan Marxist scholar, and his mother is Mira Nair, an Indian-American filmmaker. At the age of five, Mr Mamdani moved with his family to Cape Town, South Africa. The family relocated to New York City when he was seven. He attended the Bank Street School for Children and later graduated from Bronx High School of Science. Mr Mamdani studied at Bowdoin College and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor's degree in Africana Studies. While in college, he co-founded the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter. Zohran Mamdani began his political journey as a foreclosure prevention counsellor, later volunteering for local campaigns. These include roles with Ali Najmi, Khader El-Yateem, Ross Barkan, and Tiffany Caban. He joined the Democratic Socialists of America in 2017. Zohran Mamdani won the 2020 Democratic primaries and took office in 2021 as New York State Assembly member for Queens' 36th District. He was re-elected unopposed in 2022 and 2024. A leading member of the Democratic Socialists of America, he serves on key committees and has sponsored 20 bills, three of which have become a law. Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist inspired by Bernie Sanders, is in favour of free city bus rides, rent freezes, city-owned groceries, and a $30 minimum wage by 2030. He led efforts for fare-free buses and congestion pricing. On Israel-Palestine, he backs BDS, opposes illegal settlements, and calls for Gaza ceasefires, while rejecting antisemitism and supporting Israel's right to exist. He also champions anti-discrimination laws and protests funding cuts to gender-affirming care. Zohran Mamdani became a naturalised American citizen in 2018. He married Syrian artist Rama Duwaji in 2025. A hip-hop enthusiast, Mr Mamdani released a single called ' Nani ' in 2019 under the stage name 'Mr Cardamom', featuring actress Madhur Jaffrey.
Indian Express
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Who is Zohran Mamdani? Meet the NYC mayoral race candidate with a Mira Nair connection
Six months ago, many New Yorkers did not know Zohran Mamdani's name. Now, he's in second place in the mayoral race. Mamdani, a progressive state assemblyman from Queens, has surprised the political world with his strong fund-raising numbers, populist proposals, and videos that have gone viral on social media. The 33-year-old has been making the case that he is the strongest candidate to beat the front-runner in the race, former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, who has a well-funded super PAC supporting him. Born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda, to acclaimed Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and noted academic Mahmood Mamdani, Mamdani moved to New York City at the age of 7. His middle name, Kwame, pays tribute to Ghana's revolutionary leader Kwame Nkrumah. He attended the Bronx High School of Science and went on to graduate from Bowdoin College in 2014 with a degree in Africana Studies. During his time at Bowdoin, he co-founded a chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, marking the start of his political activism. He became a naturalised US citizen in 2018. He was elected to the New York State Assembly for the 36th District in 2020, becoming the first South Asian man, the first Ugandan, and the third Muslim to hold that position. Mamdani is a practising Shia Muslim. He recently married Rama Duwaji, a Syrian-born illustrator whose work has been featured in publications such as The New Yorker and The Washington Post. As per a report by NYT, the self-described democratic socialist, Mamdani has pledged to tackle the city's affordability crisis with bold proposals, including rent freezes for nearly one million rent-stabilised apartments, free public buses, and city-owned grocery stores. He plans to fund these initiatives by raising taxes on the wealthy, a stance that has unsettled business leaders who support Cuomo. 'We live in the most expensive city in the United States of America, and it's a city that used to be one of dreams that is now just one of struggle,' he said on MSNBC this week. Known for his progressive vision, Mamdani has captured attention with his populist platform and viral social media presence. He has used his platform to push left-wing policies and shift the ideological centre of Albany politics, as he is now vying to become the city's first Muslim mayor. Mamdani, a millennial, is also drawing comparisons to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who endorsed Zohran for mayor on Thursday for the upcoming June 24 Democratic primary. A post shared by Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@zohrankmamdani) 'Assemblymember Mamdani has demonstrated a real ability on the ground to put together a coalition of working-class New Yorkers that is strongest to lead the pack,' Ocasio-Cortez said as quoted by NYT. 'In the final stretch of the race, we need to get very real about that.' While only a few of the 20+ bills he has introduced have become law, Mamdani is recognised more for mobilising public opinion and supporting broader movements like Good Cause Eviction and Build Public Renewables. An outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights, Mamdani has also drawn controversy for his positions on Israel. Most recently, as per a report by NYT, a Republican city councilwoman from Queens, Vickie Paladino, sparked outrage by calling for his deportation, despite his citizenship, citing his political views and naturalisation timeline. Mamdani responded by denouncing the rhetoric as Islamophobic and emblematic of Trump-era politics, the report added. Thank you Sunset Park for rallying and canvassing with us on this beautiful Sunday afternoon. Always so proud to stand with my incredible colleagues in elected office, @alexaforcouncil and @marcelaforny. — Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) June 1, 2025 While former Governor Andrew Cuomo leads Mamdani slightly in current first-choice polling, ranked-choice simulations show Mamdani closing in by the final round. Backed by the Working Families Party and UAW president Shawn Fain, Mamdani's campaign has over 20,000 volunteers canvassing citywide. In a recent debate, he branded Cuomo 'corrupt' and called himself 'Donald Trump's worst nightmare — a progressive, Muslim immigrant.'
