Republican Actor Says He’s Coming for NYC — Teases 2029 Mayoral Run Against Mamdani

Michael Rapaport is turning up the volume on his politics — and this time, he says he’s aiming for City Hall.

The outspoken actor and podcast host revealed he’s planning a run for New York City mayor in 2029, making it clear he wants to challenge current Mayor Zohran Mamdani if he seeks a second term.

Just days after Mamdani was sworn in on January 1 as the city’s first openly socialist mayor, Rapaport dropped the bombshell on his I Am Rapaport podcast.

“I’m running for mayor,” he said bluntly.

The 55-year-old New York native doubled down on Instagram, posting a fiery message about his vision for the city.

“Born. Raised. NYC. Nothing’s free. No nonsense. No fake smiles. I’ll own my mistakes, apologize when I mess up, and fight to make this city safe, affordable and thriving,” he wrote. “You got Zoron the Moron now… Mayor Rapaport is coming.”

Rapaport has been one of Mamdani’s loudest celebrity critics since the 34-year-old Queens assemblyman surged to the front of the Democratic pack during the 2025 mayoral race.

Mamdani ultimately defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa to take the city’s top job. His campaign focused on progressive policies including free buses, a $30-per-hour minimum wage, city-run grocery stores, and rent freezes for stabilized apartments.

Supporters called it bold reform. Critics called it unrealistic.

Rapaport has clearly planted himself in the second camp.

The actor, known for roles in War at Home and Boston Public, has repeatedly slammed Mamdani’s agenda as “far-left” and dangerous for the city’s future. He has also taken issue with the mayor’s criticism of Israel.

Rapaport, who is Jewish and has been vocal in his support for Israel following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, has accused Mamdani of pushing policies and rhetoric he believes are hostile to Jewish New Yorkers.

He hasn’t minced words, previously labeling the mayor a “liar” and “con man” on his podcast.

Now, he’s framing his potential campaign as a rescue mission.

“I’m coming to take back New York City,” Rapaport declared.

While it’s still three years until the next mayoral race, the actor’s comments have already sparked buzz online, with supporters urging him to run and skeptics questioning whether celebrity energy can translate into real political traction.

For now, it’s talk. But in a city that’s seen everyone from business moguls to activists rise to power, Rapaport’s name may not be the strangest one to land on a ballot.

One thing’s certain: if he does run, it won’t be quiet.