Will Election Day 2025 be remembered as the rise of the socialists?

Fast-forward four months, and Mamdani's on the cusp of making history as the first Muslim and first millennial mayor of the nation's most populous city, which would give the Democratic Socialists of America their biggest electoral boost ever.

Some Republicans view a Mamdani victory as a political gift that will keep on giving.

Since his primary victory in late June, Republicans have aimed to make Mamdani the face of the Democratic Party. And if he's elected mayor, they'll increasingly work to link Mamdani to vulnerable Democrats up for re-election in next year's midterms.

"We saw our clearest sign yet that this radical insurgent movement in the Democrat Party is succeeding, and they are ending what has always been known as the Democrat Party in America," House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters last week, after Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the top House Democrat, endorsed Mamdani.

But moderate Democrats push back at the GOP's messaging.

"I love New York, but it's a very liberal place, and I don't know that you can necessarily apply that to the rest of the country," Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee said after Mamdani's stunning primary victory.

Other Democrats point to the party's nominees for governor in New Jersey and Virginia, moderates Rep. Mikie Sherrill and former Rep. Abigail Spanberger.