13 Rumors About Zohran Mamdani, Investigated

Zohran Kwame Mamdani, the New York State Assemblyman (D-36) and Democratic Socialist, has been a lightning rod for debate since his 2020 election. Advocating for Medicare for All, police reform, and tenant protections, Mamdani’s rise has sparked myths about his background, policies, and motives.

At NextMinuteNews, we’ve investigated the truth behind 13 persistent rumors—separating fact from fiction.

1. Is Zohran Mamdani a “Nepo Baby”?

Verdict: Partially True.
Mamdani’s parents—filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani—are influential, but he’s built his career through grassroots work with the DSA.

2. Does He Support Violent Protests?

Verdict: False.
Mamdani backs peaceful movements like BLM and has condemned violence while pushing for police accountability.

3. Does Mamdani Want to Abolish All Police?

Verdict: Misleading.
He advocates defunding (reallocating budgets to social services), not abolition. His 2021 Public Safety Plan emphasizes alternatives to policing.

4. Is He Anti-India Due to His Father’s Work?

Verdict: False.
Though Mahmood Mamdani critiques colonialism, Zohran focuses solely on NYC issues without commenting on India.

5. Is He a Republican Plant?

Verdict: Baseless.
Absurd given his socialist platform (e.g., taxing the rich, universal healthcare).

6. Does Mamdani Live Outside His District?

Verdict: False.
Public records show he resides in Astoria, Queens (District 36).

7. Is He Funded by George Soros?

Verdict: No Evidence.
Progressive groups tied to Soros exist, but no direct links to Mamdani’s campaigns.

8. Does He Want to Ban Private Property?

Verdict: Misinterpretation.
Supports social housing and rent control—not outright elimination of private ownership.

9. Is He Against Small Businesses?

Verdict: False.
Pushed for COVID relief for small businesses; targets corporate landlords, not local shops.

10. Is Mamdani a Marxist?

Verdict: Nuanced.
Open socialist, but focuses on democratic reforms (e.g., worker co-ops) vs. revolutionary Marxism.

11. Will He Run for Congress Soon?

Verdict: Speculation.
No announcements, but progressive circles mention him as a potential candidate.

12. Does He Avoid Taxes?

Verdict: False.
No records of evasion. Finances are publicly disclosed like all NY lawmakers.

13. Is He “Just” Using Identity Politics?

Verdict: Subjective.
As a queer South Asian socialist, identity informs his advocacy—but policies (e.g., eviction moratoriums) are materially focused.

Final Takeaway

While Mamdani’s bold progressivism fuels rumors, most are exaggerated or false. Critics label him an extremist, but his policies align with left-wing reforms, not radical overthrow. For voters, sticking to verified facts—not conjecture—is key.

Follow NextMinuteNews for more fact-driven political reporting.