M
ayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has built his reputation on advocating for affordable housing and tax reform, proposing to redistribute property taxes from wealthy neighborhoods in Manhattan to low-income communities in the outer boroughs. However, his family's real estate history may raise questions about his populist messaging.

    Mamdani's mother, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, owned a luxury loft in West Chelsea for over a decade before selling it for $1.45 million in 2019. The unit, which features soaring ceilings and a designer kitchen, is now valued at approximately $1.9 million. This revelation contrasts sharply with Mamdani's campaign promises to ease the burden on outer-borough homeowners by shifting tax burdens to wealthier neighborhoods.

    Mamdani, who currently lives in a rent-stabilized apartment in Queens, has been a vocal supporter of progressive housing policies, including rent freezes and tax reform. He also owns a 4-acre parcel of land in Uganda worth an estimated $150,000-$250,000. As he heads into the November general election as the favorite to win, Mamdani's campaign did not respond to requests for comment on his family's real estate history.

    Mamdani will face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa in the election.