News 12 checked in with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a socialist from Queens, who hopes to win the Democratic primary next month for New York City mayor.

Senior Reporter Tara Rosenblum sat down with Mamdani for an extended one-on-one in Bryant Park.

Mamdani is brushing off critics who say he'll never win a citywide primary as Election Day approaches.

"I think the biggest misconception is that we can't win this race. You know, many people have put ceilings on our campaign from the beginning. They first said we couldn't hit 5%, then 10%, then 15%, now 20%," he says.

Mamdani says the biggest crisis in New York City right now is affordability.

This is why he is pushing for city-run grocery stories, fare-free public transit and a new community safety agency outside of the NYPD funded by higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy.

Mamdani's views on the Israel-Hamas war have led to controversy on the campaign trail but he says, “Ultimately, to run to be the mayor of this city is to represent each and every New Yorker."

He is betting that voters who resonate with his progressive platform will help him win the primary.

"What we will deliver on June 24 is not just a surprise or a statement, it'll be a victory," he says.

To see the full interview with Mamdani, tune into Power & Politics Sunday morning, where he will also discuss immigration, his competition, the future of Rikers island, congestion pricing and more.