Zohran Mamdani, born in Uganda and raised in New York, is in the lead to become the city’s next mayor. His complex identity has sparked debate in the US. From questions about race to immigrant experiences, his story is challenging the way Americans think about identity, politics, and who gets power.

The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote. Vote for The Take for Best Daily Podcast

In this episode:
Aina J. Khan (@ainajkhan), Journalist

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Kisaa Zehra and Marcos Bartolomé with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Duha Mosaad, Tracie Hunte, Farhan Rafid, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Kylene Kiang and Sarí el-Khalil. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Zohran Mamdani, born in Uganda and raised in New York, is in the lead to become the city&rsquo;s next mayor. His complex identity has sparked debate in the US. From questions about race to immigrant experiences, his story is challenging the way Americans think about identity, politics, and who gets power.
The Take is nominated for the Signal Awards in the Best Daily Podcast category. While we wait for the judges' decisions, you can help us win the listeners' vote.&nbsp;<a href="https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2025/shows/genre/daily-podcast">Vote for The Take for Best Daily Podcast</a>
In this episode:
<ul>
<li>Aina J. Khan (<a href="https://x.com/ainajkhan">@ainajkhan</a>), Journalist</li>
</ul>
Episode credits:
This episode was produced by Kisaa Zehra and Marcos Bartolom&eacute; with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Melanie Marich, Duha Mosaad, Tracie Hunte, Farhan Rafid, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Kylene Kiang and Sar&iacute; el-Khalil.&nbsp;
Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take&rsquo;s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera&rsquo;s head of audio. 
Connect with us:
@AJEPodcasts on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/AJEPodcasts">X</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ajepodcasts/">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AJEPodcasts">Facebook</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzGHKb8i9vTwjZkiFu6LhzsLUKFkYO60I">YouTube</a>

The Take is a daily interview-driven international news podcast hosted by award-winning journalist Malika Bilal. Each episode focuses on conversations with journalists and people directly impacted by the news of the day, offering our listeners the context necessary to understand what's in the headlines.

With millions of global listens, it's clear the conversations we're having on The Take are worth hearing. And critics think so too. The show has won the Online Journalism Awards, the Signal Awards, Lovie Awards, and Anthem Awards, among others.

The Take is a daily interview-driven international news podcast hosted by award-winning journalist Malika Bilal. Each episode focuses on conversations with journalists and people directly impacted by the news of the day, offering our listeners the context necessary to understand what's in the headlines.
With millions of global listens, it's clear the conversations we're having on The Take are worth hearing. And critics think so too. The show has won the Online Journalism Awards, the Signal Awards, Lovie Awards, and Anthem Awards, among others.

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