Democratic front-runner Zohran Mamdani’s foray into the future of Gifted and Talented programs this week reignited a heated controversy over the popular program in New York City public schools that carves out a separate learning track for select students.

Despite New York’s standing as the nation’s largest public school system, up until a few days ago the mayoral race so far had largely glossed over educational issues, save then-candidate Mayor Adams’ controversial statements about bathroom use by transgender students.

But Mamdani unleashed a contentious debate over gifted programs with a pledge in a candidate survey on Thursday to end admissions to the program for kindergarteners .

Mamdani’s opponents seized on his answer — quickly.

The next morning, Andrew Cuomo, the former gov

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