Bangladeshi-American Mary Zobida Enters Race for Assembly Seat Held by Zohran Mamdani
Mary Zobida, a Bangladeshi-American and member of the Democratic Socialists of America
As Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani prepares for a possible victory, his assembly seat in Queens is expected to be vacated. Mary Zobida, a Bangladeshi-American and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has announced her intention to run for that seat.
Zobida, who arrived in the U.S. shortly after the 9/11 attacks, is known for her progressive platform, which includes opposition to ICE policies, calls to make CUNY, SUNY, pre-K, and public transit free, and a proposal to decriminalize food theft by the hungry.
In an interview with Politico, Zobida stated, “Arresting people for stealing food is meaningless, a waste of resources, and harmful to people. It’s not realistic.”
She emphasized that she does not oppose Mamdani personally but sees the need for progressive leadership in the district. “I believe this happened by God’s will and that the people have accepted it,” she said.
If Mamdani takes office as mayor on January 1, 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul will set a special election date by January 11, likely in mid-February. The Democratic Party, Republicans, and the Working Families Party will all be able to nominate candidates. Queens Democrats may also consider a more moderate candidate to replace Mamdani.
Zobida has already begun fundraising, organizing volunteers, and plans to officially launch her campaign by late August.
A community college graduate who later attended NYU on a scholarship, Zobida began her political career volunteering on Barack Obama’s 2007 campaign and later worked on Bill Thompson’s mayoral bid. She has taught in public schools and served in constituent services for Assemblywoman Jessica Ramos.
In 2020, Zobida narrowly lost the Democratic primary for Queens’ 37th Assembly District against longtime legislator Cathy Nolan by just 1,500 votes.
She confidently predicts, “If there is a special election, I will definitely win. It will be a piece of cake for me.” Despite acknowledging issues in the U.S. justice system and its treatment of the poor, she expresses gratitude for her adopted country.
“We are going through a difficult time as a nation and community,” Zobida said. “Like labor pains before childbirth, these hardships will soon give way to a better America.”
