“What do Bollywood clips, climate justice, and rent strikes have in common? Zohran Mamdani—and Gen Z is listening.”

Who Is Zohran Mamdani?

Zohran Mamdani is a New York City politician who’s not your typical suit-and-tie guy. He was born in Uganda and comes from an Indian family, so he brings a mix of cultures into everything he does, including politics. Before stepping into government, he worked as a housing counselor, helping people fight unfair evictions and find affordable homes.

Now, he’s a New York State Assembly member and identifies as a democratic socialist, which essentially means he believes the government should do more to assist ordinary people, particularly in areas such as housing, health care, and transportation.

What makes Mamdani stand out? He doesn’t just talk about politics—he makes it fun. His TikTok and campaign videos have gone viral, particularly those featuring Bollywood clips, dramatic music, and scenes from classic Indian movies to convey his message. In one video, he even jumps into freezing water to make a point about rent freezes. Yep, he’s willing to make a splash for what he believes in!

Why Gen Z Is Listening

Zohran Mamdani is one of the few politicians who actually gets Gen Z. He’s not hiding behind a podium or using complicated political jargon. Instead, he’s showing up on TikTok and Instagram with trending sounds, memes, and straight-up honesty. His videos feel less like campaign ads and more like a friend breaking down what’s happening in the world. Whether he’s explaining how rent freezes work or talking about public transportation, Mamdani makes politics feel approachable—and even interesting.

But what really sets him apart is what he’s fighting for. Mamdani’s platform focuses on real issues that young people care about: affordable housing, free and reliable public transit, bold climate action, and universal childcare. These aren’t just talking points—they’re problems many teens see in their communities, or even experience in their own lives. He’s not afraid to call out what’s broken, but he also brings real ideas to the table about how to fix it.

Many young people say Mamdani’s approach feels refreshing. One high school student said, “He talks to us like we’re part of the conversation, not just a voting statistic.” Another teen shared, “I never cared about politics until I saw one of his videos on my For You Page—and now I’m volunteering.” For a generation that values authenticity, inclusivity, and action, Mamdani doesn’t just check the boxes—he sets the standard

Why Being Real on Social Media Is Mamdani’s Secret Weapon

These days, social media isn’t just for sharing memes or funny videos—it’s how a lot of us learn about the world and connect with what’s happening around us. Zohran Mamdani gets that better than most politicians. Instead of boring speeches or ads, he uses TikTok and Instagram to speak honestly and clearly, kind of like he’s chatting with friends.

His videos are simple and real, showing moments from his everyday life and work. That makes him stand out in a sea of polished, scripted messages. He breaks down tough topics like rent freezes and climate change in ways that make sense to people our age.

I remember scrolling through TikTok and finding one of his videos about rent freezes. Instead of just throwing out facts, he made it feel personal, like he was talking about the struggles some of my friends and neighbors face. It hit differently, and I realized politics can be something we understand and care about.

But it’s not just what Mamdani says—it’s how he says it. With humor, stories from his life, and pop culture references, he makes politics feel less scary and way more real. That’s why so many young people feel seen and heard by him.

By using social media to have honest conversations, Mamdani is showing a new way to lead and inspiring more teens to get involved in shaping their future.

Your Voice Matters

Zohran Mamdani’s journey is proof that making a difference doesn’t require a fancy title or a lifetime of experience. It starts with caring about your community, your future, and the issues that affect your everyday life. Whether it’s the cost of rent, the quality of the air you breathe, or having access to reliable public transit, these are real concerns that deserve real attention. And the amazing part? You don’t have to wait until you’re older or famous to take action.

Getting involved can be easier than you think. It might mean starting a conversation with friends or family about something that matters to you. It could be joining a local event, signing a petition, or sharing your thoughts on social media. Maybe it’s volunteering with a group that’s working to improve your neighborhood. Every small step adds up. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but when enough people speak up, listen, and act, big things can happen.

One teen supporter summed it up perfectly: “When you care enough to speak up, you realize you’re not alone—and that’s powerful.” This sense of community and shared purpose is what fuels movements and makes voices heard. Your ideas, your passions, and your energy are what the world needs right now.

Remember, activism isn’t about being perfect or having all the answers—it’s about being brave enough to stand for something you believe in. Zohran Mamdani’s story shows that you can be authentic, use your unique voice, and still make a real impact. You don’t have to wait for permission or a platform—your voice is already powerful.

The future is being shaped every day—and you’re part of it. So why wait? Start today. Speak up, get involved, and inspire those around you. Because when young people like you lead, the possibilities are endless.