Who is Zohran Mamdani? The Democratic Socialist Running for NYC Mayor

Zohran Mamdani is one of the 13 people running to become the next mayor of New York City. Out of these, 10 are Democrats, one is Republican, and two are Independents. Mamdani, a 33-year-old socialist, is trying to win support by promising things like frozen rent, free citywide bus rides, and stronger protection for the transgender community. And if early polls are right, he’s got a real shot at winning, with reports saying he is slightly ahead of former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary set for June 24.

Cuomo, who was seen as a favorite earlier this year, stepped down from his governor post in 2021 after several women came forward with sexual harassment claims. Mamdani, on the other hand, is gaining attention for his fresh ideas and his long-standing focus on housing and public transport issues.

Mamdani was born in Uganda but raised in New York City. He now represents the 36th Assembly District, which covers areas like Astoria, Ditmars-Steinway, and Astoria Heights. He’s in his third term as an Assemblyman. His promises to freeze rent prices and make bus travel free are not new for him he’s been speaking about transportation and housing reform for a long time.

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He’s also not afraid to take a stand. He joined a 15-day hunger strike to support New York taxi drivers and also went on a hunger protest asking for a ceasefire in Gaza. He’s not the type to stay quiet when he believes in something.

$65 Million Plan for LGBTQIA+ Support

Mamdani’s campaign is also focused on the LGBTQIA+ community, especially transgender New Yorkers. His plan is bold and clear. He wants to put $65 million toward gender-affirming care in the city. Of that, $57 million would go to public hospitals, local clinics, federally funded health centers, and nonprofits already working in this area. The other $8 million would be used for expanded support services.

Right now, it’s not clear if this money would also help cover gender transition surgeries, or if it would only be for medications and related care.

He also wants to turn New York into an LGBTQIA+ Sanctuary City. His campaign says the city should “strengthen and uphold the rights of queer and trans New Yorkers through multiple sanctuary protections.” Mamdani says he will also “create the NYC Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs,” which will “expand and centralize the services and support for queer and trans New Yorkers.”

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The campaign says this is an answer to recent actions by New York hospitals that stopped offering gender-affirming care, reportedly due to pressure from the Trump administration. In an interview with the New York Post, a spokesperson for Mamdani’s campaign said, “LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers are under attack by the Trump administration and Zohran is going to stand up for them as Mayor.”