Rapaport Announces 2029 NYC Mayoral Bid, Blasts Mayor Mamdani for Failing Jewish New Yorkers

NEW YORK (VINnews) — Actor and comedian Michael Rapaport said Tuesday he is running for New York City mayor in 2029, citing Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s failure to protect Jewish residents as a key reason for his candidacy.

Rapaport made the announcement during an appearance on NewsNation host Chris Cuomo’s show.

“I, Michael Rapaport, will be running for mayor of New York City in 2029,” he said. “I never thought that I would even consider running for mayor of New York City and I will do it with the best intentions.”

Rapaport, a vocal supporter of Israel and critic of antisemitism, accused Mamdani of failing Jewish New Yorkers and called for his resignation. He described the mayor as “the greatest bullcrapper in the history of politicians.”

“The only way to beat this guy is to make it and take it with New York City street fight mentality,” Rapaport said. “There’s no way to out nice him. There’s no way to out slick him.”

He added that he would only step aside if a more qualified candidate emerges who can defeat Mamdani, whom he has previously called “Zohran the moron” and accused of harboring anti-Israel views that threaten the city’s large Jewish community.

Mamdani, a democratic socialist and the city’s first Muslim mayor, was sworn in earlier this year. Rapaport’s announcement comes amid ongoing tensions over public safety, antisemitic incidents and city governance following Mamdani’s election victory.

The 2029 mayoral race remains years away, with no formal filing deadlines or declared candidates yet. Rapaport, known for roles in films such as “True Romance” and “A Bronx Tale,” has no prior elected office experience. He has positioned his potential campaign as a grassroots effort rooted in New York street smarts to restore safety and affordability.