Michael Rapaport says he’ll run for NYC mayor in 2029, attacking Zohran Mamdani and pledging a “street fight” approach.
Michael Rapaport is making it clear he plans to bring a scrappy, no-nonsense edge to New York politics, pledging a “street fight mentality” for a mayoral run in 2029 while taking aim at incumbent Zohran Mamdani.
The actor and comedian—known for work including “True Romance. ” “Prison Break. ” and “Atypical”—reaffirmed his intentions during an appearance on NewsNation.. In the segment. Rapaport promised that his approach would be unlike the traditional playbook. specifically saying he would not run “the way any other political person has ever done it.”
Rapaport framed the challenge as a matchup that can’t be won with niceness or polished charm. He argued that the only way to defeat Mamdani is to match him in intensity, saying, “The only way to beat this guy is to make it and take it with New York City street fight mentality.”
He also doubled down on his criticism, insisting there was “no way to out-nice” Mamdani and “no way to out-slick him.” Rapaport went even further with blunt language, calling Mamdani “the greatest bull crapper in the history of politicians,” and noted that “that’s saying a lot.”
As he returned to the timeline, Rapaport emphasized that 2029 is approaching quickly and that the city “needs to do something.” He said he is running for mayor of New York City, adding that he would only step aside if he believed there were someone “more qualified” who could actually beat Mamdani.
Rapaport portrayed the race itself as something rougher than a standard campaign.. According to his remarks. the mayoral contest would have to become “a dogfight. ” and it “has to be ugly. ” because he doesn’t believe any rival can simply outmaneuver or out-perform Mamdani with softer tactics like trying to “out-finesse” or “out-smile” him.
Mamdani’s representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Rapaport’s mayoral talk isn’t new.. He first announced his plan to run for NYC mayor in a January episode of his podcast. “I Am Rapaport. ” where he connected the decision to what he described as a turbulent period ahead for the city.. In that earlier segment. he said “2025 was crazy” and suggested he didn’t see things cooling down in 2026 in the way things had started.
He also used Instagram to make the announcement, writing that he is “Born.. Raised.. NYC,” and stressing a philosophy of honesty and resilience.. In his post. Rapaport said “Nothing’s free” and rejected what he called “bulls–t” and “fake grins. ” while also pledging to “own my mistakes” and apologize when he screws up. alongside a commitment to fight for a city he described as safe. affordable. and thriving.
For Rapaport. the throughline across podcast. social media. and this latest TV appearance is consistency in tone: he’s signaling a campaign driven by confrontation and urgency rather than reconciliation.. Whether voters interpret that as passion for change or as campaign theater. his message is designed to frame the 2029 race as a high-stakes showdown where personality and confrontation will matter as much as policy promises.
And with Rapaport insisting he won’t “drop out” unless he sees a clearer path to beating Mamdani. the stakes of his candidacy extend beyond his own campaign mechanics.. His comments effectively put pressure on the field to match the level of intensity he believes is required—setting up a political race he expects to be anything but orderly.
Michael Rapaport mayoral race Zohran Mamdani NYC politics 2029 street fight mentality celebrity candidacy NewsNation Chris Cuomo