Democratic lawmaker Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old from Queens, has achieved a historic victory by being elected the 111th Mayor of New York City. His stunning win has not only captivated the United States but has also drawn global attention due to the many ‘firsts’ he brings to the office. Mamdani is now the youngest person to hold the New York mayoral office in a century, the city’s first Muslim mayor, and the first person of Indian-origin to lead ‘The Big Apple.’
Decisive Victory at the Polls
In the closely watched mayoral race, Mamdani secured a decisive victory with over 50 per cent of the votes. He defeated formidable opponents, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who garnered over 41 per cent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, who received 7 per cent of the vote. Mamdani is scheduled to be sworn into office on January 1, 2026.
The India Connection and Victory Speech
Mamdani’s Indian roots are prominent: he is the son of acclaimed Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani. Born and raised in Kampala, Uganda, he moved to New York City with his family when he was seven and became a naturalised US citizen in 2018.
Following his successful mayoral bid, Mamdani delivered a powerful victory speech where he fiercely criticised Donald Trump’s policies. Most notably, he quoted India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru’s famous “Tryst with Destiny” speech, delivered on the eve of India’s independence in 1947:
“A moment comes, but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance. Tonight, we have stepped out from the old into the new.”
Mamdani’s cultural connection was further highlighted as the famous 2004 Bollywood hit, “Dhoom Machale…” played in the background as he concluded his speech, creating a viral moment on social media.
A Look at the Mayor-Elect’s Finances
Before his election as Mayor, Zohran Mamdani’s primary income came from his position as a state assemblyman from Queens, where he earned an annual salary of $142,000 (approximately ₹1.25 crore).
According to Forbes estimates, Mamdani’s net worth is around $200,000 (approximately ₹1.77 crore). His assets and income streams include:
- Annual Salary: $142,000 as a State Lawmaker (prior to becoming Mayor).
- Music Royalties: He receives a modest $1,000 (approximately ₹88,000) annually from music royalties, stemming from his time as a rapper under the moniker “Young Cardamom” between 2015 and 2019.
- Land Ownership: He owns 4 acres of undeveloped land in Uganda, where he was born, currently valued at approximately $250,000 (approximately ₹22 lakh).
- Investments: He previously held between $5,000 and $55,000 in stock in a company called MiTec, but received half of his initial $10,000 investment back when the company was dissolved. He also holds a small investment of under $2,000 in a retirement plan.
Despite coming from an affluent background, Mamdani lives a relatively modest life, residing in a $2,250 (approximately ₹2 lakh) per month rent-stabilized apartment and famously does not own a car.
Upon taking office as the New York Mayor on January 1, 2026, Mamdani’s annual salary will increase to about $260,000.