7. How would you describe your personal financial situation now and growing up? Middle-class, upper-middle-class, wealthy?

Middle-class, definitely. I’m definitely not wealthy. Look at my background. We were working-class. We sold dinners on Saturdays to pay rent. My mama was homeless in Jamaica when she became an orphan and came here. That’s what I know. My mama worked in manufacturing about 41 years and did home care. My daddy, God rest his soul, was a janitor at St. Barnabas. I was the youngest of four. Two of my three brothers were locked up and turned their lives around.

I’m glad that question is being asked about another candidate. It is intriguing when you talk about the working-class struggle and you’re not really communicating how wealthy you actually are. [He was referring to another candidate, Zohran Mamdani, a progressive state lawmaker who is the son of a prominent filmmaker.]

8. You’ve run for office a few times. What prompted you to run for mayor this time? And if you don’t win this race, are you done running for elected office?

This is my service. I mean, I’ve won seven times and lost three, but I seem to only get asked about the times I didn’t win. I’ve had three primary wins, three general wins, and I got elected vice chair of the Democratic National Convention.

I decided to run because I fundamentally believe that I am the best, at this moment of time, for what we’re facing. Who is best prepared to lead the city with federal experience in this moment? I’m the only person who’s been a part of a team that’s defeated Donald Trump; the one who I believe has the best affordability plan; and the experience of White House, state house and local — that makes me uniquely qualified to lead a city with a $115 billion budget when you know cuts are coming.

9. What is your bagel order or favorite breakfast sandwich?

I am a bacon egg and cheese on a croissant with salt and pepper and ketchup guy.

Y’all are judging me. Don’t judge. It’s delicious. We had this whole back and forth — if I’m just chilling, I put it on a cinnamon raisin. Even the team was like, that’s a lot on a cinnamon raisin. I was like, yes it is, but it’s delicious, too. Let me rock.

A cinnamon raisin bagel — with ketchup?

10. What’s your favorite book?

My immediate answer is “God’s Politics” by Jim Wallis.

Jeffery C. Mays contributed reporting.