New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, earlier this year, stood as little more than another name in a crowded, notably progressive field looking to unseat incumbent Mayor Eric Adams.

Zohran was elected to the New York State Assembly for the 36th District in 2020, becoming the first South Asian man, the first Ugandan, and the third Muslim to hold that position.

Zohran Mamdani has buzz and some momentum in New York City’s mayoral race. But can a 33-year-old democratic socialist — or anyone else — beat former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary? Mamdani picked up a key endorsement Thursday from U.