Mamdani was born in Uganda and raised in multiple countries before settling in New York City. He is the son of renowned academic Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair, which exposed him early to global perspectives on politics, culture, and social justice. He attended Bowdoin College, where he became actively involved in organizing and political advocacy.
Mamdani was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020, representing the 36th District in Queens. As a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, he aligns with a growing movement of progressive lawmakers focused on economic and social reforms. His campaign gained attention for its strong grassroots approach, relying heavily on volunteers and community outreach rather than traditional big-money fundraising.
