NEW YORK (AP) — Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic mayoral nominee of New York City, is currently visiting Uganda to celebrate his recent marriage. He announced the trip in a social media video on Sunday, indicating he would return to New York by the end of July. This visit comes at a crucial time as Mamdani, a 33-year-old member of the New York State Assembly, is gearing up for the November general election.

Mamdani faces a competitive field of opponents, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, both of whom are running as independent candidates. In his video announcement, Mamdani humorously remarked on the "consistent advice" from critics who suggested he return to Africa, displaying a screen filled with social media posts urging him to leave the U.S. "I hear you, and I agree: I’m going back to Uganda," he stated, emphasizing that the trip is personal to celebrate his marriage with his partner, Rama Duwaji.

Rama Duwaji is an animator and illustrator, and Mamdani revealed their marriage earlier this year. Born in Kampala, Uganda, to Indian parents, Mamdani moved to New York at the age of seven and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018. This background contributes to his unique perspectives as he campaigns for mayor of one of the most populous cities in the United States.

Mamdani has already made a significant impact in the political landscape by defeating Cuomo in the Democratic primary election. Following his loss, Cuomo re-entered the race as an independent candidate. Meanwhile, Mayor Adams, a Democrat, opted to run independently due to political ramifications from a now-dismissed federal corruption case. Additionally, legal expert Jim Walden is also campaigning as an independent, alongside Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the anti-crime Guardian Angels, who is running on the Republican ticket.

This campaign season is marked by its entrances and exits, with multiple candidates from various political backgrounds asserting their positions and aiming to connect with voters. Mamdani's light-hearted approach to dealing with criticism, particularly in his video regarding his trip to Uganda, showcases his ability to engage with the electorate while maintaining a sense of humor amidst the competitive and often harsh realities of political campaigning.

As the election date draws closer, the dynamics of the race continue to shift with each candidate striving to solidify their base and appeal to the broader electorate. Mamdani's trip serves as a personal retreat, yet it also reflects the ongoing challenges and strategies inherent in running for office within a vibrant city like New York.