Zohran Kwame Mamdani represents New York’s 36th Assembly District (Astoria, Queens) and is one of the most outspoken members of the Democratic Socialist movement in state politics. A former housing counselor and community organizer, Mamdani’s work centers on economic redistribution, housing justice, and challenging corporate power.
Elected in 2020 after defeating a long-time Democratic incumbent, Mamdani quickly became a key figure within New York’s progressive bloc, aligning with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). His legislative priorities include good-cause eviction, public power expansion, and taxing the ultra-wealthy to fund public housing and transit.
Known for his charisma and ideological clarity, Mamdani has emerged as a national voice for socialist politics, arguing that the Democratic Party must be transformed into a vehicle for mass working-class organizing and democratic control of the economy.
Democratic Socialist
Achievements
- Elected as one of New York’s most prominent Democratic Socialists in 2020, unseating an establishment incumbent.
- Leading voice on tenants’ rights and the push for universal good cause eviction protections.
- Co-sponsor of legislation for public power and mass transit expansion funded by taxing the wealthy.
- Active organizer in the Democratic Socialists of America and advocate for progressive foreign policy reform.
- Credited with energizing youth voter participation and community-based mutual aid organizing in Queens.
Controversies
- Criticized by centrist Democrats for promoting policies seen as too radical or fiscally unrealistic.
- Accused by some opponents of prioritizing ideology over pragmatic governance and budget negotiation.
- Foreign policy positions, especially on Israel and Palestine, have drawn strong backlash from establishment figures.
- Continues to challenge the Democratic Party leadership from the left, sometimes causing intra-party friction.