Michael Rapaport Announces 2029 NYC Mayoral Run to Challenge Zohran Mamdani

Michael Rapaport is trading the soundstage for the political stage. The outspoken actor and comedian officially announced his intention to run for New York City mayor in 2029, citing his total opposition to the current administration of Zohran Mamdani.

Michael Rapaport NYC Mayor 2029 Campaign Launch

On the latest episode of his 'I Am Rapaport' podcast, the star declared himself "Mayor Rapaport" and invited listeners to submit their resumes for his future administration. Rapaport's frustration stems from what he describes as a lack of leadership in the city, stating on Instagram that he's ready to fight for a "safe, affordable, and thriving" New York. He criticized the current state of affairs, noting that 2025 was chaotic and the start of 2026 hasn't shown signs of improvement.

Ideological Clash with Mayor Zohran Mamdani

The primary catalyst for Rapaport's bid is Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who recently assumed office after winning by a 9% margin against Andrew Cuomo. Rapaport has been a vocal critic of Mamdani, particularly regarding the Mayor's stance on Israel and his socialist leanings. This political friction isn't new; other celebrities like Debra Messing have also publicly clashed with Mamdani, highlighting a deep divide within the city's influential elite over Middle Eastern policy and local governance.