Michael Rapaport announces 2029 NYC mayoral run against ‘Zohran the Moron’

While Mamdani has a long record of anti-Israel activism, Rapaport has emerged since October 7 as one of the most vocal pro-Israel figures in American entertainment.

By World Israel News Staff

Jewish actor and outspoken pro-Israel advocate Michael Rapaport announced over the weekend that he plans to run for mayor of New York City in the 2029 election, positioning himself as a blunt, confrontational alternative to the city’s incoming leadership and drawing a sharp contrast on Israel and antisemitism.

Rapaport said on social media that as a native New Yorker who was born and raised in the city, he intends to “take New York back and put it in the hands it belongs in — the hands of New Yorkers.” He expanded on the announcement in a profanity-laced tirade during an episode of the I Am Rapaport Stereo Podcast, declaring, “I will be running for mayor of New York in a few years.”

He said he was making the announcement now because, in his words, “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 this bulls**t artist, two-bit con man is going to do. I am taking action.”

Rapaport continued, “I am coming to take back New York City from him and his entire cabinet of bulls**t artists. I am announcing my candidacy to be mayor of New York. Let this roll off your tongue: Mayor Rapaport. Mayor Rapaport.”

Rapaport repeatedly mocked Zohran Mamdani, saying, “Come 2029, there’s gonna be a lot of problems for Zohran the Moron,” and adding, “I cannot believe this guy will be becoming mayor of New York City in a couple of days — in my city, New York City.”

He also outlined a core message of his future campaign, rejecting what he described as unrealistic promises. “Nothing will be free in New York City,” Rapaport said. “I can’t guarantee you anything for free. I will do my best to protect New Yorkers. I will do my best to make New York the most affordable, safest, lucrative city it could possibly be.”

Beyond his abrasive style, Rapaport’s potential candidacy underscores a stark divide between himself and Mamdani on Israel.

While Mamdani has a long record of anti-Israel activism, Rapaport has emerged since Oct. 7 as one of the most vocal pro-Israel figures in American entertainment. He has consistently defended Israel’s right to defend itself, condemned Hamas’ atrocities, and tied his advocacy to the broader experience of Jewish Americans facing rising antisemitism.

Rapaport’s support has not been rhetorical alone. He has traveled to Israel multiple times, including a visit to Kibbutz Be’eri in November 2023, where he saw firsthand the devastation caused by Hamas’ massacre. Friends and followers say the visit further hardened his resolve to speak out publicly and unapologetically in Israel’s defense.

In June, Rapaport voiced blunt frustration over what he sees as the abandonment of Jews amid a surge in antisemitic violence across the United States. “Jewish people, the cavalry ain’t coming,” he said on his podcast, arguing that public outrage over antisemitism has been met with indifference. He made the remarks while discussing recent attacks, including a firebombing assault at a pro-hostage demonstration in Boulder, Colorado.

Since Oct. 7, Rapaport has spoken openly about a deepening connection to his Jewish identity and faith, with support for Israel and opposition to antisemitism becoming central to his public voice. Whether the announcement amounts to a serious bid or a rhetorical shot across the bow remains to be seen. But if Rapaport turns words into action, his entry would sharply amplify the contrast on Israel, antisemitism, and public safety in New York’s next mayoral race.