Zohran Mamdani may be known for his progressive politics and love of hip-hop, but the New York leader once had another musical obsession: Taylor Swift.
In a New York Times article, the beloved mayor, 34, regularly listened to a dozen of Taylor Swift’s songs in 2021, making him an unlikely member of the singer’s massive global fan base, affectionately called the Swifties.
The revelation came after the mayor referenced one of Taylor Swift’s lesser-known tracks while speaking to reporters about her highly anticipated wedding with fiancé Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden. He said:
“I wish them a lovely wedding. I’ll listen to ‘Only the Young’ at home on my own.”
This remark surprised many fans, as they didn’t expect Zohran Mamdani to know underrated tracks from the songstress.
What’s more, Only the Young, released in 2020 as part of the documentary Miss Americana, is considered one of Taylor Swift’s deeper cuts and carries strong political themes.
According to the mayor’s office, the song resonated with Zohran Mamdani during the COVID-19 pandemic while he was launching his first campaign for a seat in the New York State Assembly representing Queens.
The same period marked several important milestones in his personal life. In 2021, he met his future wife, artist Rama Duwaji, through the dating app Hinge.
While Zohran Mamdani has built a public image around hip-hop culture and famously quoted rapper Jadakiss during his inauguration, his reported playlist from that year included 11 additional Taylor Swift tracks.
Zohran Mamdani’s 12 favorite Taylor Swift songs
The New York mayor’s 12 favorite Taylor Swift songs were revealed hours before the pop icon’s wedding to her beau, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, in Madison Square Garden.
Here is the complete list:
- Only the Young
- Love Story
- my tears ricochet
- I Forgot That You Existed
- Dress
- Cruel Summer
- Delicate
- I Know Places
- I Don’t Wanna Live Forever
- I Think He Knows
- London Boy
- august
Neither Taylor Swift nor Travis Kelce revealed details about their nuptials, and a plethora of updates came from insiders ahead of the purported Garden ceremony.
In fact, even Zohran Mamdani kept mum about it and instead provided a cheeky response to reporters in an attempt to dodge.
“What I am here to say is that whoever is getting married in New York City, it’s hard to beat the city clerk’s office, but many will try, and soon there will be more (inaudible). Do you hear that? They’re calling me out.”
Meanwhile, despite the revelation that he’s a Swiftie, Zohran Mamdani said he didn’t receive an invite to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding.
Also Read: Are MSG employees allowed at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding? New details emerge
Also Read: “That dude didn’t write the song, I did”: Taylor Swift shares take on obsessive fan analysis of her music
Edited by Gladys Altamarino