What to know about the democratic socialist and political newcomer who is running to be the next mayor of America’s most populous city.

I was born and raised a Jewish New Yorker. I graduated from New York's Columbia University. I spent my 20s in Manhattan. I loved New York City. But now the unthinkable has happened. A politician with a combination that I'd never thought possible in America is in position to run New York City.

Before Zohran Mamdani ever ran for mayor of New York, he lost his high school vice-president election at The Bronx High School of Science.