Michael Rapaport says he is seriously weighing a 2029 bid for New York City mayor, turning his opposition to Zohran Mamdani toward electoral action.
The actor and comedian said he is “absolutely considering running for mayor” against Mamdani, adding that his interest in the race is no joke.
Rapaport has discussed a possible campaign for some time. His latest comments sharpen that prospect, though he has not identified a formal launch process or campaign filing.
His challenge also comes amid broader opposition to Mamdani, including the recent backlash from 9/11 families over the mayor’s place at a major anniversary event.
In comments reported by Breitbart, Rapaport said:
“I’m announcing this today, because in a couple of hours, Zohran the Moron will be stepping in as the Mayor of New York, and I’m not going to sit back and wait for what the f*** this bulls*** artist, two-bit, con man is going to do. I am taking action,”
That earlier statement sounded like a declaration. His newer wording remains less definite: He says he is considering the 2029 race.
The distinction matters. Criticizing a mayor requires no organization, filing plan or campaign structure. Winning City Hall requires all three, and Rapaport has offered no details about how he would build such an effort.
Still, he gave a rough timetable. Rapaport said his campaign would “probably launch in the middle of 2028” and declared that “2029 will be mine.”
Political pressure around Mamdani has not been limited to one dispute. His response to demonstrations involving Israel has also drawn scrutiny, including his position on anti-Netanyahu protests.
Rapaport said he is considering the run because he cares about New York City and is disgusted by what he believes Mamdani is doing. Yet he did not identify a policy program or spell out the mayoral actions behind that charge.
He instead leaned on personal condemnation. Rapaport called Mamdani “the most divisive mayor in the history of this city by far” and “a two-bit con man.” Those are Rapaport’s accusations, not established findings.
He also promised a campaign without political salesmanship:
“I won’t be lying. I won’t be smiling. I won’t be selling you all kind of wolf tickets and bulls***,”
Rapaport’s language makes his opposition clear. It does not yet tell New Yorkers how he would govern, what policies he would reverse or what practical course he would offer instead.
Mamdani already faces criticism far beyond Rapaport’s possible candidacy. That includes an Israeli ambassador’s demand tied to Netanyahu’s United Nations visit.
For now, Rapaport has supplied a target, a possible election year and a rough launch window. He has not supplied the machinery of a mayoral campaign.
New Yorkers deserve serious opposition to failed leadership. Anger may open the campaign, but accountability and a clear plan must carry it.
