25 Trivia Questions About Zohran Mamdani (With Answers!)

Zohran Mamdani’s journey from Ugandan rapper to New York Assemblyman to mayoral candidate is as inspiring as it is fascinating. Known for his progressive policies, bold campaigns, and deep community roots, Mamdani has quickly become one of NYC’s most talked-about political figures.
Think you know his story? This trivia quiz dives into his background, achievements, and pop culture moments.
Answers are provided below—good luck!

Zohran Mamdani Trivia Questions

Early Life & Background

1. In which country was Zohran Mamdani born?
2. What is his full middle name?
3. What year was he born?
4. Which college did Zohran Mamdani attend for his undergraduate degree?
5. Before entering politics, Mamdani worked as a housing – what? (fill‑in: e.g., counselor, advocate)
6. What musical alias did Mamdani use when he pursued rap music in Uganda?
7. Which city in New York serves as his Assembly district base?
8. In what year did he first become a member of the New York State Assembly?
9. Which long‑time incumbent did he defeat in the 2020 Democratic primary?
10. Mamdani identifies with what political ideology (one word)?

Mayoral Campaign & Achievements

11. In which year did Mamdani announce his candidacy for Mayor of New York City?
12. Mamdani is set to become the first what in New York City history (one of his historic “firsts”)?
13. One of his campaign proposals included making what public transit service free in the city?
14. His platform proposed raising the minimum wage to what dollar figure by 2030?
15. He is a member of which organization of like‑minded elected officials (abbreviation: DSA)?
16. Mamdani holds dual citizenship: the United States and which country?
17. What major infrastructure project did he help launch in the Assembly involving fare‑free buses?
18. Which governor did he defeat in the Democratic primary for NYC mayor?
19. What percentage of the vote did Mamdani receive in the general mayoral election (approximate)?
20. What date is his term set to begin as mayor‑elect?

Additional Facts & Miscellany

21. His father is the noted academic Mahmood Mamdani. His mother is the filmmaker Mira Nair — true or false?
22. Mamdani ran for office on ballot lines for both the Democratic Party and which third party?
23. Mamdani once performed at an annual music festival in Uganda — what is the name of the festival?
24. He is of what religious faith?
25. Which New York City borough does he reside in?

✅ Answers

Early Life & Background

1. Uganda
2. Kwame
3. 1991
4. Bowdoin College
5. Counselor (housing counselor)
6. Young Cardamom
7. Astoria, Queens (District 36)
8. 2021 (term start January 1, 2021)
9. Aravella Simotas
10. Democratic‑Socialist (or simply “socialist”)

Mayoral Campaign & Achievements

11. 2024 (announced October 2024)
12. First Muslim, first Indian‑American, first Ugandan‑American mayor of NYC
13. City buses (fare‑free city buses)
14. $30 minimum wage by 2030
15. DSA (Democratic Socialists of America)
16. Uganda
17. Fare‑free bus pilot program on selected routes
18. Andrew Cuomo
19. Approximately 50.4%
20. January 1, 2026

Additional Facts & Miscellany

21. True
22. Working Families Party (via electoral fusion)
23. Nyege Nyege festival in Jinja, Uganda
24. Shia Muslim (Twelver branch)
25. Queens (Astoria)