Zohran Mamdani’s approachable style: he blends New York grit with his Indian and Ugandan heritage
The NYC mayoral candidate just went viral for his clapback against Andrew Cuomo – but he’s also winning hearts with a fashion sense that draws from his roots
Cuomo – who resigned from his position as New York City’s governor after being accused of sexual misconduct in 2021 and is currently running for mayor as an independent – questioned Mamdani’s track record, claiming he “has never had a job”.
In response to this, the Uganda-born political newcomer replied, “What I don’t have in experience, I make up for in integrity. And what you don’t have in integrity, you could never make up for in experience.”
The retort took over social media, where Mamdani is already being hailed for his proposed policies, which include controlling rent hikes for flats, introducing grocery stores run by the city, free buses, free child care and taxing the rich.
Should Mamdani secure the win on election day, he will be the city’s first Muslim mayor with Indian roots – and if his recent appearances are anything to go by, he’ll be doing the job in style.
His slim-tie suits and crisp button-downs scream ready-for-office, but they’re not usually bespoke creations. “There’s the suits that I bought in a store, and there’s the suit that I bought on 31st Avenue, and a totally bootleg street sale, and they all work,” he told GQ.