New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has definitively ruled out any future presidential aspirations, citing constitutional eligibility requirements and his commitment to his current role. Mamdani, 34, who was born in Uganda and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018, addressed the possibility of a presidential run in an interview on ABC News' "This Week."
Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution stipulates that only natural-born citizens who are at least 35 years old can hold the office of president. Mamdani, who will turn 35 soon, indicated that he views the Constitution as satisfactory in its current form.
"No," Mamdani responded when asked about the prospect of amending the Constitution to allow him to run for president. "I think the Constitution looks good the way it is."
He added, "I'm very excited to focus on New York City, but thank you for reminding me of my upcoming mortality," in reference to his approaching birthday.
During his 2025 mayoral campaign, Mamdani frequently criticized former Governor Andrew Cuomo, accusing him of seeking higher office. Despite his current disavowal of presidential ambitions, Mamdani expressed confidence in his influence within the Democratic Party.
Mamdani recently saw success as three candidates he endorsed in New York City primary elections secured victories. These candidates, Brad Lander, Claire Valdez, and Darializa Avila Chevalier, advocate for a progressive agenda. One of the endorsed candidates, Avila Chevalier, has publicly expressed views such as advocating for the abolition of prisons and borders, and has been critical of former President Joe Biden.
When questioned about Avila Chevalier's positions, Mamdani framed her candidacy around addressing the "struggle that working people are facing." Responding to direct questions about whether he supports abolishing prisons, Mamdani stated, "There are prisons. Safety is not something that’s up for debate."
Mamdani characterized the primary victories as indicative of a broader national desire for a "new kind of politics, one that puts working people at the heart of it."