New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, earlier this year, stood as little more than another name in a crowded, notably progressive field looking to unseat incumbent Mayor Eric Adams.

Zohran was elected to the New York State Assembly for the 36th District in 2020, becoming the first South Asian man, the first Ugandan, and the third Muslim to hold that position.

Zohran Mamdani is one of nine Democratic primary candidates who have qualified to participate in a live debate hosted by NBC New York, Telemundo 47 and Politico New York on Wednesday night. Here’s a brief bit on Mamdani’s background.