Mamdani's upset win in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary has energized progressives and panicked centrists, but Republicans see him as the perfect avatar of the 'radical Left.' His socialist views and support for Palestinian rights have sparked controversy within the Democratic Party, highlighting a growing identity crisis. Despite his success, Mamdani faces challenges in the upcoming general election, where he will be up against scandal-scarred incumbent Eric Adams and far-right Republican Curtis Sliwa.