Actor and podcaster pledges to oppose mayor he calls a stain on city leadership
Just five days after Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor of New York City, actor and lifelong resident Michael Rapaport announced his intention to challenge him in 2029. The announcement, made at the end of an episode of his popular podcast I Am Rapaport Stereo Podcast on January 6, 2026, marked a dramatic early sign of political opposition to the new administration. Rapaport has emerged as one of Mamdani’s most vocal critics, focusing his attacks on the mayor’s political positions and public demeanor.
Rapaport’s Critique of Mamdani’s Leadership
In his podcast announcement, Rapaport declared that he will run to remove what he called a stain at the helm of New York City. He stated that he believes Mamdani will exceed the wildest fears and expectations with consequences he predicts for the city. Rapaport’s criticism centers on several perceived concerns about Mamdani, including disagreements over the mayor’s response to international conflicts and his broader ideological orientation. The 55-year-old podcaster and actor, known for roles across 35 years of television and film including a season five appearance on Friends, has built a significant social media following while critiquing Mamdani both before and after the election.
Israel-Palestine Policy Disagreements
Much of Rapaport’s criticism focuses on Mamdani’s positions regarding Israeli military operations in Gaza and the broader Middle East conflict. During the campaign, Mamdani initially refused to state that Hamas should disarm, a position Rapaport views as disqualifying for a mayor responsible for many Jewish and Israeli-American constituents. This fundamental disagreement on international affairs remains central to Rapaport’s opposition even now that Mamdani holds office. Rapaport has used his substantial social media platforms to campaign against Mamdani’s approach to these issues, framing them as anti-Israel and harmful to the city’s Jewish community.
Personality and Behavioral Critiques
Beyond policy disagreements, Rapaport has questioned Mamdani’s authenticity and personal demeanor. In his podcast commentary, Rapaport criticized Mamdani’s smile and suggested the mayor was faking his working-class credentials. Rapaport claimed Mamdani has an enormous ego and what he characterized as an evil grin suggesting the mayor is up to no good. These personal attacks go beyond traditional policy critique, focusing instead on character assessments and behavioral observations about how Mamdani conducts himself in public.
The Path to Mamdani’s Victory
Mamdani’s 2025 election victory was historically significant and genuinely shocking to the city’s political establishment. Running as a democratic socialist and two-and-a-half-term state Assembly member, Mamdani defeated former Mayor Andrew Cuomo in a Democratic primary that drew massive voter participation. He captured anti-Trump sentiment and offered bold policy proposals including a citywide rent freeze, free and fast buses, and city-run supermarkets with lower prices. The campaign mobilized tens of thousands of volunteers who knocked on an estimated 3 million doors, delivering an unexpected landslide that propelled him to the mayoralty. This stunning victory both reflects real constituent demand for progressive governance and generated significant opposition from those skeptical of his approach.
Rapaport’s Platform and Vision
In his Instagram announcement, Rapaport pledged to run on a platform of safety, affordability, and thriving neighborhoods. He characterized his approach as owning mistakes, apologizing when he screws up, and fighting for tangible improvements. Rapaport contrasts his claimed practicality with what he views as Mamdani’s ideological rigidity. He refers to the mayor as Zohran the Moron and Zohran the Zero, using mocking language to characterize what he sees as an incompetent administration. His proposed 2029 campaign appears positioned to capture voters disillusioned with Mamdani’s first four years.
Historical Context of NYC Mayoral Opposition
Every mayor of New York City has faced vocal critics and organized opposition. Rapaport’s early announcement of a 2029 challenge, however, is notable for coming so early in Mamdani’s tenure. This reflects the intensity of anti-Mamdani sentiment among some constituencies, particularly those skeptical of democratic socialist governance in an expensive, complex city.
Navigating First Years Under Political Opposition
Mamdani faces a mayor’s typical first-year challenges while also confronting early opposition from a high-profile figure with significant social media reach. Whether Rapaport becomes a serious 2029 challenger or simply remains a vocal critic will depend on how New Yorkers perceive Mamdani’s handling of affordable housing, public safety, and services during his first term.
Authority Links for Political Context
For information about New York City mayoral elections and history, consult Wikipedia’s comprehensive article on NYC mayors. Details about democratic socialist politics are available at the Democratic Socialists of America website. New York election law and procedure information appears at the New York State Board of Elections. Social media strategy and political communication are discussed at the Brookings Institution.
