New York City mayoral contender Zohran Mamdani reportedly identified as both “Black or African American” and “Asian” on his 2009 Columbia University admissions form, according to internal university data that emerged following a recent data breach.
At the time, Mamdani—born in Uganda to an Indian-Ugandan family—selected both racial categories and added “Ugandan” in a supplemental section, stating in turn-of-events that he sought to reflect his complex heritage rather than to gain any admissions advantage. Columbia ultimately rejected his application.
Now 33 and the presumptive Democratic nominee, Mamdani clarified that he identifies as “an American who was born in Africa” and said the racial identification on the application was an effort to convey his multifaceted background given the limitations of checklist options. He added that those forms “felt constraining,” and he believed multiple selections were necessary to represent his identity accurately.
The disclosure has sparked criticism from political figures including Mayor Eric Adams, who called the categorization “offensive” and urged Columbia to release Mamdani’s records. Supporters counter that Mamdani’s actions reflect the complexity of modern identity and do not constitute misrepresentation.
Mamdani continues to lead the mayoral primary, campaigning on progressive policies aimed at housing affordability, universal childcare, and social equity. His candidacy has drawn attention for its grassroots energy and historic dimensions; a win would make him New York’s first Muslim, Asian-American, and millennial mayor.
With input from Fox News
