Feb 10, 2023; Chandler, AZ, USA; Michael Rapaport arrives on the red carpet for the USA TODAY Legends Party at Gila River Resorts & Casinos. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Actor and podcaster Michael Rapaport is gearing up for NYC’s Mayoral seat in 2029. Floating the idea publicly on his podcast and across social media just weeks after Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the city’s new mayor.
Rapaport, 55, announced the potential bid during the Jan. 5 episode of his I Am Rapaport podcast, declaring, “My name is Michael Rapaport, a.k.a. Mayor Rapaport. Mr. Mayor Rapaport.” He framed the move as a response to what he described as an increasingly turbulent political climate, adding that he does not expect things to “get any calmer or cooler” in the coming years.
The longtime New Yorker has been outspoken in his criticism of Mamdani, a democratic socialist, repeatedly attacking the mayor’s policies and leadership style. In a video posted to Instagram, Rapaport leaned into that opposition, saying, “You got Zoron the Moron now… Mayor Rapaport is coming,” while emphasizing that he was “born and raised in New York City.”
Best known for his work in film and television, Rapaport rose to prominence in the early 1990s with roles in movies such as Zebrahead and True Romance, before becoming a familiar face on television through appearances on Friends, Boston Public, Prison Break, and, more recently, Netflix’s Atypical. He also built a sizable following through his podcast, which launched in 2014 and has evolved from sports commentary into a platform for cultural and political discussion.
Rapaport has suggested that his transition from entertainment to politics would follow a path similar to other actors-turned-officeholders, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronald Reagan. While he has not released a formal policy platform, Rapaport says his priorities would include public safety, affordability, and accountability in city government.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions online. Supporters praised his blunt style and deep roots in New York City, with some commenters offering to volunteer or even relocate to vote for him. Critics, meanwhile, questioned whether the actor’s comments were serious or part of a broader publicity push, noting that the 2029 election cycle remains several years away.
Rapaport has not filed any official paperwork related to a mayoral campaign, but his comments signal that the outspoken entertainer may be preparing to test whether celebrity appeal and outsider rhetoric can translate into political momentum in America’s largest city.
