New York’s New Mayor: Zohran Mamdani

Lesson made on November 6, 2025

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Reading Lesson:

Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City in November 2025. He surprised many people by defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo, even though Mamdani had not been very well known before the election. Mamdani calls himself a democratic socialist and focused his campaign on making New York more affordable for regular people. Many billionaires opposed his campaign to become mayor and they spent a lot of money trying to stop him.

Mamdani was born in Uganda, Africa in 1991. His parents are both from India. The family moved to New York City when Zohran was seven years old, after living in several countries for his father’s teaching jobs.

Mamdani became active in politics when he was in college, especially around the issue of Palestine. After graduating, he worked briefly for a community organizing group, made music as a rapper, and eventually got a job helping people who were at risk of losing their homes.

During his campaign for mayor, Mamdani used social media, especially Instagram and TikTok, to connect with voters. He was supported by progressive politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, though some top Democrats hesitated to back him. President Trump opposed him and even threatened to punish the city if Mamdani won.

When Mamdani took office, he made history as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, its first Indian American mayor, and the youngest person to lead the city in more than a century.

Comprehension Quiz:

1. What is the main idea of the article?

a) Andrew Cuomo was a bad governor and lost an election.
b) A young, progressive immigrant became the new mayor of New York in an unexpected victory.
c) Social media is the most important tool for winning elections today.
d) New York City has a long history of electing mayors from other countries.

2. Which of these statements is false?

a) Mamdani’s parents are from India.
b) Mamdani grew up in Uganda.
c) Mamdani’s election was supported by all powerful Democrats.
d) Mamdani is the first Muslim mayor of New York City.

3. Mamdani wants to make New York more affordable for regular people. What does “affordable” mean?

a) More expensive
b) Less expensive
c) Small in size
d) Fast and efficient

4. Why do you think billionaires tried to stop Mamdani from becoming mayor?

a) They were from Uganda
b) They did not like the music he made as a rapper.
c) They thought he was too young to be a good mayor.
d) His ideas for helping regular people might cost them money.

5. What does Mamdani’s victory show about New York?

a) Voters were open to change and new ideas
b) People were afraid of new leadership
c) Most New Yorkers support President Trump
d) Voters wanted a traditional politician

6. What can we learn about politics from Mamdani’s victory?

a) A less famous person can still win if people believe in their ideas
b) Only wealthy candidates can win
c) Social media is not useful in politics
d) Experience is the only thing that matters

7. What overall message might readers take from Mamdani’s story?

a) Someone with new ideas and courage can succeed even against powerful people
b) Only the rich can become politicians
c) Social media makes elections unfair
d) People should not care about politics

8. Donald Trump threatened to punish the city if Mamdani won. What does this tell you about Trump’s opinion of Mamdani?

a) He thought Mamdani was too young.
b) He wanted Mamdani to be his vice president.
c) He was a close friend of Mamdani’s family.
d) He strongly disagreed with Mamdani’s ideas.

9. If Mamdani creates a new policy, what is it most likely to be about?

a) Making it easier for people to pay their rent.
b) Helping billionaires become richer.
c) Reducing the number of immigrants in the city.
d) Stopping people from using social media.

10. The article says some top Democrats “hesitated to back him.” What does this suggest?

a) All Democrats thought he was a perfect candidate.
b) His ideas were probably too extreme for some Democrats.
c) He refused to talk to any Democrats.
d) Democrats never support candidates who use social media.

Speaking and Writing Activities:

– Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.

– Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.

1. If you were running for mayor, what would your main promises be?

2. Do you think social media helps or hurts politics? How?

3. Do you think young people can make good leaders? Why or why not?

Zohran for NYC Official Website

Photos of Zohran Mamdani

Zohran Mamdani’s Instagram page

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