Actor and podcaster Michael Rapaport has made a bold declaration: he’s running for mayor of New York City in 2029.
The 55-year-old, who has been a prominent figure in entertainment for over three decades, revealed his political aspirations just five days after Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the city's new mayor.
In typical Rapaport fashion, he didn’t hold back, calling Mamdani a "stain at the helm" and emphasizing his intention to bring real change to the Big Apple.
Michael Rapaport: From Actor to Politician?
Rapaport, best known for his roles in hit TV shows like Friends (where he played Phoebe Buffay’s cop boyfriend, Gary) and his podcast I Am Rapaport Stereo Podcast, has built a career that spans over 35 years.
However, it’s his new ambition that has everyone talking. While he’s made occasional political commentary before, his recent statements mark a serious shift towards entering the political arena.
In an episode of his podcast, Rapaport made the unexpected announcement toward the end of the hour-long show: “Let me tell you something, guys, girls, women, children of all ages. 2025 was crazy, and I don’t see it getting any f**king calmer or cooler in 2026, the way things started. That’s why I’m running for mayor.”
Rapaport’s Anti-Mamdani Rhetoric
Rapaport has not been shy about his disdain for the current mayor, Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist who has captured the city's attention with bold, progressive proposals like a city-wide rent freeze, free and fast buses, and city-run supermarkets offering lower prices.
Mamdani’s meteoric rise has seen him become a frontrunner in the race, leaving little doubt that he’s on track for a solid victory in November.
But Rapaport isn’t having it. He’s become one of the most vocal critics of Mamdani’s political stances, especially regarding Mamdani’s positions on Israel and Hamas, as well as his authenticity.
In fact, Rapaport has blasted the new mayor for what he perceives as a lack of genuine connection to working-class people, accusing him of faking it.
In a fiery Instagram post, Rapaport declared: “I, Michael Rapaport, am running for Mayor of New York City — 2029. Born. Raised. NYC. Nothing’s free. No bulls**t. No fake grins.
"I’ll own my mistakes, apologize when I screw up, and fight to make this city safe, affordable, and thriving. You got Zoron the Moron now… Mayor Rapaport is coming. How do you like apples?”
Rapaport Believes Mamdani Is Leading NYC Into Trouble
Rapaport’s anti-Mamdani sentiment has not been subtle. He frequently criticizes the new mayor’s political leanings and personal demeanor.
In a podcast episode earlier this week, Rapaport called out Mamdani as a “s**t stain at the helm” and made it clear that he doesn’t believe things will improve under his leadership.
“We have a s**t stain at the helm right now in New York City, and it is a reality. It is a f**king reality. I think he’s going to supersede our wildest fears and expectations. Zohran the Zero, Zohran the Ziophobe, he is going to supersede all our fears and expectations,” Rapaport proclaimed.
What’s Behind the Criticism?
While Rapaport acknowledged that New York City isn’t likely to devolve into chaos overnight, he argued that Mamdani’s leadership style will make things worse in the long run.
Specifically, he criticized the mayor’s “soft” approach and what he perceives as a “huge f**king ego.” Rapaport also took issue with Mamdani’s public persona, calling out his “evil f**king grin.”
"Do I think people are going to be getting chased around New York City with pitchforks? No, but he is softening the palate for so many f**king things. He’s got a huge f**king ego,” Rapaport continued. “He’s got a f**king evil f**king grin. And I think he’s up to no good.”