The New York mayoral race / Zohran Mamdani

Born in Uganda to Indian parents and raised in Queens, Zohran Mamdani is the youngest and most radical face in the New York mayoral race. Thirty-four years old, the son of political scientist Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair, he studied African Studies at Bowdoin College and worked in social work for the prevention of property foreclosures.

In 2017, he joined the Democratic Socialists of America, the largest socialist organisation in the U.S. He became known for his battles on social reform, systemic racism and housing rights. His political career began in 2020, when he was elected to the New York State Local Assembly representing the district of Astoria.

In his programme he proposes a fairer city: rent control, free kindergartens and buses, food shops run by the municipality and a minimum wage of $30 by 2030, financed by new taxes on businesses and incomes over $1 million. He also advocates public safety reform.

If elected, he would be the first Muslim mayor of New York City and the youngest in over a century. According to the latest polls, he is leading with around 41-43% of the vote. He is supported in particular by young people and immigrants, but also at the centre of strong criticism for his pro-Palestinian positions.