Zohran Mamdani, the firebrand socialist and first South Asian man in the New York State Assembly, is shaking up the already crowded 2025 mayoral race. In a fiery campaign launch, Mamdani declared his mission to take back New York for the working class, who, he argues, are being priced out of the city they helped build.
“Working-class New Yorkers are being pushed out of the city they built,” Mamdani said. “They can’t afford rent, groceries, childcare—nothing. Meanwhile, the city continues to cater to the wealthy at every turn.”
Known for his bold activism, Mamdani has a history of putting his body on the line for the causes he believes in, from hunger strikes to fighting for New York’s debt-burdened taxi drivers. Now, the 33-year-old millennial is taking his fight citywide, calling out the “corrupt, out-of-touch political class” for failing ordinary citizens.
His key promises include freezing rent for stabilized tenants, tackling skyrocketing living costs, and ensuring New York remains affordable for everyone—not just the elite. Already backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, Mamdani’s campaign has the potential to dramatically alter the race.
Will this grassroots warrior lead New York into a new era of social justice, or will his bold vision be too radical for the city? Only time will tell.
