The far-left critic of Israel will be the heavy favorite in November vote, which could end up as a 5-way race if Cuomo runs as an independent after losing the Democratic primary

Mamdani’s mother, Mira Nair, is an award-winning filmmaker whose credits include “Monsoon Wedding,” “The Namesake” and “Mississippi Masala.” His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is an anthropology professor at Columbia University.

From rent controls and universal childcare to his controversial views on Israel–Palestine, Mamdani’s platform represents a radical departure from City Hall’s traditional centrism. Here's a breakdown of his core beliefs and proposals.