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.