This year's mayor's race has been full of surprises, but none more significant than the rise of Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo entered the race as the heavy favorite yet lost the Democratic primary badly and now trails in the polls as an independent candidate. Despite his high unfavorable ratings, Cuomo isn't out of the running just yet.

How did a 34-year-old Queens assemblyman make such a huge splash in such a short time? And does Cuomo have the ability to close Mamdani's lead and cross the finish line first on Tuesday?

Susan Kang, an associate professor of political science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) and a member, like Mamdani, of the Democratic Socialists of America, joined NY1's Errol Louis to discuss the twists and turns of the mayor's race, early voting numbers, and how the DSA helped elevate Mamdani into a national figure. She also spoke about how she first got involved in politics and what she hopes the next administration will bring to New York City.