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Politico
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Politico
Zohran's Bronx Science tales
With help from Amira McKee MAMDANI PLAYS HOOKY: He's just like us. He got detention. He cut class to get lunch. He says he's bad at math. Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani graduated from the public, test-in, competitive Bronx Science High School in 2010. Six years later, an oral history project aimed at capturing alums' experiences at the school included an interview with Mamdani — thus blessing us with some Zohran high school lore. 'If I hadn't gone to Bronx Science, I would have remained within a privileged bubble for my whole time in New York City,' Mamdani told the podcast's host, Daniel Kisslinger, in the episode. 'I didn't have any intention of going to Bronx Science,' he recalled. 'I mean, really, it was a small idea of, like, maybe Stuyvesant, and then when I didn't get in, I was like, 'Nah, I ain't going to public school.'' The exact date of the recording of his interview with 'Encompassed – Bronx Science Stories' is unknown, but the project, dated April 2016, was posted to SoundCloud in June of that year. Mamdani finished college in 2014. If elected, Mamdani — a democratic socialist Bowdoin College grad — would be the youngest mayor in over a century. He'd also be the city's first South Asian mayor, and the first Muslim mayor. And he might be the first mayor to be honest about high school shenanigans. In the pod, Mamdani marveled at 'the amount of dean's detentions that I rolled out of Bronx Science with.' In one apparently detention-deserving incident, he recalled how the school's guidance office would hand out passes to students who wanted to attend college information sessions during school hours. The passes gave the students excused absence from class. Mamdani remembered getting his hands on a blank one, and how he 'photocopied that shit' and used it to skip class. 'I'd always take it. I'd just go out for lunch. Just like — peace, son!' Mamdani remembered. But his math teacher, who Mamdani noted was a veteran of the Israeli Defense Forces, caught him. 'One day he tailed me,' Mamdani said. 'I mean, keep in mind, this guy is a graduate of the Israeli Defense Forces. He's tailed brown guys for a long time. He's good at it, right? Tailed my ass. That was the first 20,' he said, seeming to refer to the number of detentions he received. 'Journalism class' was also one of his most memorable classes because 'we just had so many disruptive personalities, myself included.' Despite the tomfoolery, the aged interview also gives listeners heartfelt glimpses into the politician Mamdani grew to become. He spoke frankly about the struggles of being a person of color in a school where 'the cool kids were the white kids.' He talked about co-founding the school's cricket team, which drew students from similar South Asian backgrounds and he described how he eventually became 'proud of my brownness.' 'There are these kids, you know, coming out of Fieldston who will have read Dostoevsky thoroughly and really analyzed it, and I didn't, right?' Zohran said, referring to one of the city's most elite private high schools. 'But I got these experiences and these friends that transformed my understanding of the city, which changes your life.' In a statement, Jeffrey Lerner, a spokesperson for Mamdani, said his candidate's own stories of truancy are nothing compared to his rivals' baggage. 'Zohran's is a proud product of a New York public high school (but maybe not proud of every single thing he did while there),' Lerner said. 'If you take a stroll down memory lane, the stark contrast in this race is clear. Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams would give anything to not be saddled by decades of corruption and backroom dealing.' — Jason Beeferman From the Capitol SUPER SAVERS: Gov. Kathy Hochul will appoint an 'internal swat team' to find savings as New York scrambles to shore up cuts imposed by the federal government. The state will lose $750 million for the Essential Plan, which provides medical coverage to about 1.6 million low-income New Yorkers. And for now, there are no plans to call the Democratic-led state Legislature back to Albany to address the gap. Hochul, though, is trying to find cash under the state government's proverbial couch cushions, she told reporters today. 'It's a huge hit to our system and we'll adapt,' she said. 'We'll figure it out.' The governor said the 'swat team' will be composed of people who will 'go through system by system' to find ways of 'managing our government.' More details are expected to be released this week, she added. 'This has to be a whole-of-government approach,' Hochul said. For the moment, the plan appears to be an initial step toward finding low-hanging fruit without making painful decisions. The more politically difficult questions may have to be answered next year. New York's fiscal picture will become more complex when the state budget is negotiated in 2026 and policymakers contend with a $3 billion cut to the Essential Plan. Hochul has so far resisted broad-based tax hikes on rich New Yorkers to address budget gaps. — Nick Reisman From City Hall DEFAMATION STATION: Former Interim NYPD Commissioner Tom Donlon has taken the first step toward filing a $10 million defamation suit against his old boss, New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Donlon filed a notice of claim Sunday with the city comptroller's office — a prerequisite for certain types of lawsuits against the administration. In addition to Adams, Donlon named former Assistant Chief Tarik Sheppard, who was the lead NYPD spokesperson during Donlon's brief tenure at the nation's largest police department. The action comes days after Donlon filed a federal lawsuit accusing Adams, Sheppard and several other top police officials, past and present, of running the department as a criminal enterprise. In his notice of claim, Donlon accused Adams and Sheppard of defaming him in their responses to that case: On Wednesday, Sheppard said during an interview with PIX 11 that Donlon had his phones seized by federal agents during a shocking raid on his home in 2024, just days after he assumed leadership of the department. He further suggested Donlon was suffering from cognitive issues — a notion echoed by Adams. Two days after Sheppard's remarks, which he repeated in other interviews, Adams told a group of business leaders that Donlon's mental health had been rapidly deteriorating and, after Donlon allegedly refused to seek treatment while serving as a City Hall public safety adviser, he was fired. Adams made similar remarks at a Friday press conference. Donlon pushed back in his notice of claim, arguing his phones were not seized by the FBI — which did, however, seize old documents from his home — and that he has not been suffering any mental decline. 'None of this is true. There is no record of any mental health request, no evidence of cognitive decline, and no justification for these remarks,' he wrote. When asked about the case during an unrelated press briefing Monday, Adams drew attention to typos in the complaint. 'I know many of you won't talk about it, but if you see the original complaint, you see the misspells, you see the grammar errors, you see the space,' Adams said. 'It was a rush, and so this will be handled out in court.' — Joe Anuta and Amira McKee ICE TO 'FLOOD THE ZONE': The Trump administration will 'flood the zone' with ICE agents in New York City after the City Council blocked federal law enforcement agencies from opening an office in the city jails, President Donald Trump's border czar Tom Homan said this morning, POLITICO reports. Homan joined DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to deliver that message at One World Trade Center after an off-duty federal customs officer was shot by an undocumented immigrant in an attempted robbery Saturday night, Noem said. 'You don't want to let us in the jails to arrest a bad guy in the safety and security of a jail,' Homan said. 'So what are we gonna do? We're gonna put more agents in New York City to look for that bad guy. So sanctuary cities get exactly what they don't want: more agents in the community.' Adams said he welcomes more ICE agents if they're going to help the city go after 'dangerous people' like the alleged shooter, but said that 'if it's going to be to go after everyday individuals who are trying to complete the path, who are trying to be a citizen, I don't think we should do that.' DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment on current staffing levels and what an increase would look like. — Jeff Coltin FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL JGR'S FIRST ENDORSEMENT: First in Playbook, youth climate advocacy group Sunrise Movement NYC will endorse Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas for state Senate at the Queens Democrat's campaign fundraiser tonight in Jackson Heights. That's a sign of how young lefties are foaming at the mouth to see JGR challenge state Sen. Jessica Ramos, after the incumbent shocked her progressive allies by endorsing Andrew Cuomo for mayor. 'Ramos has spent the better part of the last year burning bridges with progressive groups,' said Michael Magazine, head of elected partnerships for Sunrise Movement NYC. 'We have much more faith in González-Rojas' character.' González-Rojas formed a Senate campaign last week, City & State first reported. Ramos' campaign declined to comment on the endorsement. — Jeff Coltin EMPOWERING ADAMS' RUN: A super PAC supporting the mayor's reelection reported raising nearly $500,000 from business and real estate tycoons — along with donors from the crypto and blockchain world. Empower NYC raised $425,000 from nine donors between April and earlier this month, according to disclosures filed with the state Board of Elections. Among the contributors were Brittany Kaiser, a data rights activist who donated $25,000. Kaiser gave an interview at the same Las Vegas Bitcoin conference attended by the mayor in May. As POLITICO previously reported, a representative from Empower NYC also attended that conference, where he pledged to raise big bucks from members of the crypto community keen on seeing Adams expand digital currency use in New York City. The overlap between the PAC and the mayor's official trip alarmed ethics experts. Eric Chen, head of an organization called Injective that deals in blockchain, gave $20,000 to the PAC. The pro-Adams committee also received $15,000 from Alexander Rovt, a billionaire commercial landlord who scored a controversial city lease deal. As POLITICO has reported, Rovt is the owner of 14 Wall St., the downtown office building selected for a plum city lease deal despite losing out to another property in an internal scoring system. Rovt had been a loyal donor to Adams beforehand. And the internal scoring system at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services was discarded by Jesse Hamilton, the mayor's longtime friend and protege, in favor of awarding the lease to Rovt's property. The city has said the deal was above board and has cleared its passage after a temporary review. The biggest contribution to the PAC, which is supporting the mayor in his longshot reelection bid, came from developer Gary Barnett, head of Extell Development, who gave $250,000. The head of the PAC, Abe George, did not respond to a request for comment. — Joe Anuta AROUND NEW YORK — MAMDANI'S PUBLIC SAFETY: The Democratic nominee is looking to revamp New York City's public safety policies, but it's unclear how Mamdani would address the NYPD's staffing shortage if elected in November. (POLITICO Pro) — HEASTIE'S AID: State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Queens Assemblymember Vivian Cook announced $30 million in state assistance for a struggling affordable housing complex in southeast Queens — but residents say it's not enough. (Gothamist) — AOC OFFICE VANDALIZED: Protesters threw red paint on Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's office and posted a sign with the words 'AOC funds genocide in Gaza.' (ABC7) Missed this morning's New York Playbook? We forgive you. Read it here.
New York Post
10-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
The horrible reasons the teachers union just endorsed Zohran Mamdani
It's easy to see why the United Federation of Teachers just threw its support to Zohran Mamdani: He's already said he wants to end mayoral control of the public schools — which translates to putting the city's teachers' union in charge. Per his platform, Mamdani 'supports an end to mayoral control' as we know it in favor of something it calls 'co-governance'; he's elsewhere vowed 'to give more say to educators and parents.' Let's be clear here: Before mayoral control, no one could hold anyone in particular to account for the public schools, as ever-changing political alliances determined who controlled the city Board of Education. Advertisement That left the UFT as easily the system's most powerful player — with no effective voice for the kids. Remember: Unions exist solely to serve their members' interests, however much they pretend otherwise; that's why COVID fears kept US schools closed the longest in areas with the most powerful teacher unions. That Mamdani would give up power over the Department of Education's $40 billion-a-year budget makes sense only if he also wants to avoid responsibility for the system's 900,000 students. Advertisement Of course, the Democratic Socialist firebrand himself attended expensive private schools until he tested well enough to win entry to elite Bronx Science; he has no clue what non-privileged parents seek from the system. Under a similar dynamic, New York's governor has no control of the State Education Department; it's bossed by a Board of Regents chosen in another complex process that again leaves no one to hold accountable. So the state's teachers unions set the agenda — and SED routinely waters down educational standards where it can't eliminate them; the goal is always more spending on schools and fewer demands on teachers; nothing about improving outcomes for the kids. You get plenty of sweet talk about 'supporting all children' and so on, but zero real action. Advertisement That's the future for most city schools if the unholy alliance prospers. Heck, even Bronx Science and the other elite high schools (Brooklyn Tech, Stuvesant, plus the handful added after Mike Bloomberg gained mayoral control) will be at risk, though Mamdani has waffled on whether he'd seek to end race-blind admissions testing for those institutions. It's funny: The UFT's record on mayoral endorsements is a long string of misfires, but the union still manages to keep coming out on top. One more time: The city still employs a lot of first-rate teachers, who have no choice but to join the UFT — but those educators aren't the ones the union mostly serves. Advertisement The state of public education in city schools should be a central issue, since the frontrunner has embraced the worst possible prescription. Voters who care about the future of the city's children need to rally behind someone other than teachers' union pet Zohran Mamdani.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
New York's elite public schools at risk as socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani targets admissions test
New York City's specialized public high schools, long regarded as one of the few bright spots in the city's struggling education system, may face a major overhaul under the potential leadership of socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With Mamdani projected to win the Democratic mayoral primary, his plans to eliminate the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) — the gateway to eight of the city's most prestigious selective high schools — have sparked intense debate about the future of merit-based education in the US's largest school district. These specialized high schools, including the Bronx High School of Science and Stuyvesant High School, have offered talented students from across the city an opportunity to escape underperforming local schools and attend some of the nation's top public high schools. But Mamdani's socialist-leaning agenda, which extends beyond housing and wages to education reform, threatens to dismantle the exam system that many credit with maintaining academic excellence and diversity in these schools. Specialized high schools: a rare success story in NYC public education The city's eight specialized high schools admit students solely through the SHSAT, a test designed to select the most academically gifted students. While New York City public schools often face criticism for overspending, lack of accountability, and overall dysfunction, these schools have consistently produced exceptional academic results. They provide opportunities for students from varied economic backgrounds, with roughly half of students at top schools like Stuyvesant and Bronx Science considered economically disadvantaged. For example, 52 percent of Bronx Science students come from low-income families. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, the SHSAT has also drawn criticism for what opponents call racial bias. Asian students have historically scored highest on the test; in 2023, over two-thirds of Stuyvesant's student body was Asian. This has led critics to accuse the test of perpetuating segregation. Yet, as reported by Reason, Asian students in New York City also have the lowest median income among racial groups, challenging assumptions that specialized schools are dominated by affluent students. Mamdani himself is an alumnus of Bronx Science and has acknowledged the segregation problem but insists the SHSAT must be abolished. Mamdani's challenge to merit-based admissions As quoted by Reason, Mamdani has stated, "I support measures to integrate our public schools and fully fund our education system, including the abolition of the SHSAT." His campaign focuses on implementing recommendations from the 2019 School Diversity Advisory Group, which call for eliminating gifted programs at elementary levels and halting new test-in schools. Mamdani argues that ending the SHSAT will address systemic segregation and inequality in education. Yet critics warn that eliminating the SHSAT could harm talented students, particularly those from low-income families who rely on the merit-based test to access top-tier education. The current system already includes support programs for disadvantaged students who narrowly miss admission, such as summer study sessions that offer a second chance to gain entry. The risk of losing a proven pathway for talented students Removing the SHSAT may not close achievement gaps but could instead reduce opportunities for many capable students. The exam provides a clear, standardized metric to identify academic talent across all neighborhoods and income levels. Without it, students from disadvantaged backgrounds might lose access to schools where they can learn among peers with similar abilities, limiting both their growth and chances for upward mobility. Mamdani's plans, if enacted, would represent a significant shift in one of the most closely watched education systems in the US. While the goal of increased integration and equity is widely supported, education experts and advocates caution that dismantling a merit-based system without a proven alternative may do more harm than good. As Reason reported, the debate over New York City's specialized high schools highlights a broader national conversation about balancing fairness, diversity, and excellence in public education under the current US administration led by President Trump.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Zohran Mamdani, NYC's rising star taps Bollywood, buses, roti‑and‑roses to transform Mayoral politics
All those Instagram reels lead to this day! For the 2025 New York City mayoral election – which consists of two key dates, Primary (Democratic) and General Election – the early voting window for the Primary Election (for the Democratic nominee) has closed (June 14 – June 22), and on the election day, June 24, the voting window is available from 6 AM to 9 PM. So, June 23 (which is today), essentially, is the day in between. If you have already voted, good for you! If you haven't, sit back and read on! Nope, we're not going to make your decision on behalf of you, but we gotta try and break it down to you – why Zohran Mamdani might be the best shot for New York City! First order of business – let's get on with the introductions! Who is Zohran Mamdani? This is where it gets interesting! While we may not fully grasp the concept of 'destiny' without considering the significant choices that shape it, Zohran embodies what New York City strives to represent – a cosmopolitan, culturally diverse, and increasingly inclusive city in the United States. This is not just a city romanticized in popular Hollywood films; it is a place that people genuinely love to call home. Now, Zohran's story begins far from the US, with deep, layered roots. He was born in Kampala, Uganda, in October 1991, to Indian-Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani and Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair. His unique background blends various cultures and continents. His mother, Mira Nair (an acclaimed filmmaker), hails from a Punjabi Sikh heritage, while his father, Mahmood Mamdani (a renowned scholar), has a Gujarati Muslim background. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo This rich, multicultural upbringing has given him a strong foundation. Zohran's transnational identity was shaped early on. At the age of five, he and his family fled Uganda during the 1972 purge led by Idi Amin, which expelled Uganda's Asian minority. They later moved to Cape Town before settling in New York when Zohran was just seven years old. These formative experiences not only exposed him to concepts of migration, displacement, and cultural fusion at a young age, but they also grounded him and instilled in him the importance of building a community. Having traveled between Africa and the US, he absorbed the diverse textures of global identity – an understanding that would later influence his political views in Queens and New York City. Each place he lived – whether East Africa, South Africa, or the Bronx – contributed unique perspectives to his worldview. Growing up in Astoria, Queens, attending Bronx Science, and earning an Africana Studies degree from Bowdoin College, he developed a mindset shaped by cross-cultural dialogue. From Rap to Representation, Roti, and Roses: Zohran is his mother's son. While his father certainly influenced his upbringing, growing up around his mother's film sets undoubtedly instilled crucial values in him from an early age. Mira Nair, widely regarded as a feminist filmmaker, often incorporates political and social commentary in her work. Her films frequently tackle issues such as sexism, class differences, and social inequalities, exploring themes of identity, gender, and social justice, particularly focusing on marginalized communities and challenging societal norms. In addition to his mother's influence, Mahmood Mamdani's anti-colonial scholarship and activism shaped another aspect of Zohran's character: a commitment to resistance and solidarity. So, when that kid grew up to become a young adult, forging an identity through meaningful performance seemed like an obvious choice for him. After all, he believed in one mantra, 'If we don't tell our own stories, no one else will.' And that's exactly what Zohran did – he began rapping. Under the moniker Mr. Cardamom (or Young Cardamom), he released the rap track 'Nani,' featuring the legendary actor-chef Madhur Jaffrey – an ode to his grandmother blending film, South Asian lineage, and rap culture. If you manage to move past the swaying image of a much younger Zohran, wearing a black apron WITHOUT a shirt on, in a food truck – you'll hear him rapping in a whisper flow about 'the best damn nani that you've ever seen!' And as it turns out, that was just the beginning of Zohran's fun-meets-funky musical career! For the track '#1 Spice,' created for the soundtrack of the Disney film *Queen of Katwe* (which was directed by Mira Nair, with Zohran serving as the music supervisor), Queen of Katwe star Lupita Nyong'o even danced along! Yes, his songs often feature playful banter and maintain a lighthearted tone, but the storytelling element remains prominent. And to date, Zohran is cultivating and honing that skill, even though he has shifted his platforms. After all, what is politics without establishing identity through storytelling? Through the power of his narrative, Zohran Mamdani has built such a strong presence that now even his most formidable opponents recognize the potential of this 33-year-old mayoral candidate! And what's not to acknowledge? Zohran's early career as a foreclosure prevention counselor in Queens attuned him to the immigrant experience – struggles with bills, debt, and fears of eviction – preparing him for grassroots work. His political journey did not begin in a capital building but on the front lines, assisting immigrant families facing eviction. This front-line experience ignited his desire to seek structural change. From day one, Zohran's approach was community-led: multilingual outreach in Urdu, Hindi, Bengali, and more. He built early momentum within the South Asian diaspora by conducting outreach in Urdu, Hindi, Nepali, Tibetan, Punjabi, Gujarati, and Bangla, engaging low-propensity voters who often feel overlooked. His efforts have earned heartfelt support from these communities as he nearly nails their spoken languages! So, when he asks Shahana Hanif, 'Aamar Bangla bhaloi naa?' (My Bengali is not bad, right?) over a plate of sweet treats, it's not just the audience that swoons – it's all of us! But that's not all we're heart-eyed about! Zohran is a firm believer in the ideal of a world where everyone has access to basic rights and a dignified life. While this may seem like a utopian dream right now, he is determined to prove that fairytales do exist, and can exist – right in the heart of NYC! Enter 'Roti and Roses,' a purposeful reimagining of the classic labor anthem 'Bread and Roses.' This new concept captures the essence of both basic survival and a dignified life: "roti" symbolizes food and security, while "roses" represent beauty, culture, and dignity. It blends the struggle for labor rights with cultural affirmation. In Zohran's own words, from an interview with Bon Appétit: 'There is no life without food. 'Roti and Roses' is a riff on 'Bread and Roses' as a rallying cry for what workers deserve. Bread or roti signifies that which is necessary. Roses signify that which is often pushed off but is frankly just as necessary in that same life.' And because for Zohran, food is both personal and political, as is his embrace of desi culture and love. He may wear a suit and tie, but he's not your typical Starbucks guy; instead, he would be found waiting in line at halal carts! He eats rice with his hands, proudly showcases his cultural flair ('Uniqlo uncle'), and uses food – like Bangladeshi aloo bhorta or Adeni chai – as invitations to celebrate a shared identity. He believes food is a form of resistance, asserting cultural existence amid erasure. And although he has been off the dating market, he doesn't mind being your wingman and spilling some beans on how to ace your dating game! How? According to Zohran, finding the love of your life in NYC – the most expensive city in the US – is all about affordability – something he's working actively and diligently to improve for all New Yorkers. Someone advocating for economic justice with cultural pride – striving to ensure every New Yorker gets enough to eat and the means to flourish? Sign yourselves up for the ride! Bringing Bernie Back – One Bollywood Skit at a Time Now, while everything may seem fun and playful, to uncover the earnest sincerity – Zohran did build his political career from the ground up. His Assembly victory in 2020 and subsequent reelections were fueled by deep grassroots organizing in Astoria, mobilizing multilingual working-class communities (including Bangla and Arabic) alongside mutual aid initiatives. Channeling the Bernie Sanders-like authenticity, Zohran has managed to blend humor and cultural references to highlight serious issues such as housing, food, and climate, while maintaining a relatable persona. Mirroring Bernie's approach, he raised $8 to $10 million for his mayoral campaign through a door-to-door strategy, gathering over 20,000 unique donors. Zohran's campaign is not funded by billion-dollar backers; it's powered by small donations and significant volunteer involvement. With an army of approximately 46,000 volunteers, this might be the largest volunteer-driven mayoral effort in modern NYC history! They've knocked on over a million doors, participated in community events, and even created viral moments – like his humorous and chilly plunge into Coney Island waters to promote rent freezes. This is more than just a political aspiration – it's a campaign with strategic thinking and genuine passion, something that is absent in the grandstanding of billionaires. Also, speaking of billionaires, what better and effective way to resonate with the people of multicultural NYC than through the charm of Bollywood? Whether it's cult-classic clips from Amitabh Bachchan's "Deewar" or repurposed dialogues, Zohran makes waves. When he responds to Big B's famous line 'Aaj mere paas… kya hai tumhare paas?' ('Today I have… what do you have?') with 'I have the people' ('Aap'— meaning you), he strikes a twofold impact: he positions himself as a grassroots candidate while also shining in his Bollywood fan knowledge (Mira Nair would certainly be a proud mama!)! Passion, Policy, Persona – The All-in-One Package Some days, you play smart, and other days, you gotta be blunt! Zohran Mamdani seems to know this when he wears his heart on his sleeve – or perhaps it's sewn into his exceptionally long ties! But man, does he know how to put his heart's desire forward in the simplest and sweetest ways! So when Kareem asks him on Subway Takes about his 'hot take,' Zohran doesn't even take a split second to respond, 'I should be the Mayor!' And frankly, why shouldn't he be? As an Assemblymember, Mamdani has secured over $100 million in state funding to boost subway service, initiated fare-free bus pilots that increased ridership by 30%, and helped reduce operator assaults by nearly 40%. He has championed the 'Fix the MTA' campaign, linking transit equity to racial and economic justice. Moreover, he has shown solidarity by participating in hunger strikes for taxi drivers' debt relief and advocating for international human rights. Now, as a mayoral hopeful, his transportation agenda is bold and people-centered. These are some of his key proposals: Rent Freeze: Aimed at millions of rent-stabilized New Yorkers. Affordable Housing: Plans to build 200,000 units, rehabilitate public housing, and reinvest in campus tax exemptions. Fast and Free Buses Citywide: Scaling up a successful pilot that increased usage and reduced driver assaults. Universal Childcare: Including 'baby baskets' for new parents. Minimum Wage: A goal of $30 per hour by 2030, funded by increased wealth and corporate taxes. City-Owned Grocery Stores: One in each borough to reduce food insecurity, through a campaign called 'Roti, Kapda, Makaan.' Public Safety Plan: A $1.1 billion plan reallocating funds from the NYPD to mental health teams (B-HEARD expansion) and community violence interrupters. All these proposals aim to transform the subway, as well as the city, from a site of displacement into a space of care. His campaign has not only won hearts but also earned powerful endorsements from leaders like AOC, Bernie Sanders, and the Working Families Party. What's the catch? Here's the thing: Zohran Mamdani isn't simply a politician running on identity or theory. His propositions and promises may even seem too good to be true because they're undeniably bold. It's easy to dismiss him because he doesn't seem practical or realistic enough, or because he doesn't seem like a safe bet. And perhaps he isn't. But he is the best chance New York City has. His story – born in Uganda, forged in South Africa, and shaped in New York – serves as the crucible of his politics. His South Asian roots are the foundation of his values: community care, dignity, and resistance. He isn't your typical stoic politician. He's fun, viral, media-savvy, and genuinely relatable. His emotional compass, shaped across continents, fuels a humane, solidarity-based politics that promises to reimagine what public service can feel like in a city built by immigrants. He's not for those who prefer 'incremental tweaks.' He's for those who believe New York needs systemic change – addressing issues from rent and transit to childcare and food. His vision of free buses, fair fares, and safe commutes flows naturally from his experiences and empathy, forming the backbone of a city that honors its transit riders, workers, and immigrants alike. In a city where dreams thrive amid struggle, Zohran Mamdani's campaign says: all of us deserve to stay, to strive, to thrive. If elected, he would become the city's first Muslim and first South Asian mayor – symbolic affirmations of equity in an immigrant city. Will he be elected? Time will tell. But here's what we can summarize: With boldness, clarity, and authenticity driving his rise from progressive underdog to a broad-based leader capable of galvanizing the city, he just might be New York City's best shot at transformative hope.
Buzz Feed
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Buzz Feed
Mira Nair's Son Making Waves In NYC Politics
Zohran Mamdani isn't your typical mayoral candidate. For starters, he's the son of a legendary filmmaker. But instead of walking red carpets, he's knocking on doors in Queens, fighting housing battles, and launching a mayoral campaign that feels like a Gen Z fever dream. With bold, subversive ideas, TikTok tactics, and small-dollar donor energy, Mamdani is shaking up NYC politics as the city gears up for its mayoral election in November 2025. And yes, he's even going head-to-head with big names like Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor who resigned in 2021 amid controversy but remains a heavyweight in the state's political scene. Here are a few things to know about NYC's millennial maverick: He's the son of a critically acclaimed director and a Ugandan academic—born in Kampala, raised in NYC, now eyeing City Hall. His mom is the iconic Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding, anyone?) and his dad is Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani. Talk about a power parent combo. Born in Kampala on October 18, 1991, Zohran spent early childhood in Uganda and South Africa before moving to NYC at age 7. NYC-raised, Bowdoin-educated, and already organizing in college—Zohran didn't wait to get political. Zohran grew up in Morningside Heights, crushed it at Bronx Science, and graduated from Bowdoin College in 2014 with a degree in Africana Studies. Oh, and he didn't just chill, he co-founded the 'Students for Justice in Palestine' chapter there. His middle name, Kwame, was chosen to honour Ghana's former President. Zohran's dad gave him the name 'Kwame' after Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first Prime Minister and then President. It is not just a name, but a whole political vibe. Zohran helped stop evictions and secured major debt relief for NYC taxi drivers. Zohran started out fighting evictions, then set his sights on NYC's broken taxi medallion system, where drivers had to shell out huge amounts just to drive a cab. When the bubble burst, they were drowning in debt. Zohran helped get $450 million of it wiped clean. He was the first South Asian elected to NY Assembly. In 2020, he made history as the first South Asian guy ever elected to the New York State Assembly, and he's been repping Astoria (aka District 36) since January 2021. He moonlighted as rapper Mr. Cardamom. His campaign vibes are straight out of Bollywood with iconic Deewar and SRK moments. And yes, he's speaking in Hindi. Zohran's plan? Free buses, rent freezes, and going after rich universities. Small donors powered him to $8 million before he stopped fundraising. He also took a chilly plunge into the freezing Coney Island waters to protest rent hikes. Yes, there's a video. Yes, it has 800k+ views. AOC's all in on team Zohran. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is backing Zohran, calling out his skill at bringing working-class communities together. Love him or not—or maybe you're just here for that viral icy plunge video—Zohran Mamdani is switching up NYC mayor race vibes. The big moment lands on June 24, when voters hit the polls for the Democratic primary that could change everything, meaning things are about to get interesting.
