‘Zohran the Ziophobe’: Actor Michael Rapaport slams Zohran Mamdani, announces 2029 NYC mayor run

While much of New York has been irrevocably in love with their new mayor Zohran Mamdani, there is a part of the city that hates him being at the helm of the American finance capital. One among them is actor Michael Rapaport who has been vocally critical of Mamdani ever since he launched his campaign.

However, his disappointment in the Indian-origin leader has reached the extent that he has decided to replace him and help save the people of NYC. In the latest episode of his podcast on Monday, Am Rapaport, the 'Masked Singer' actor said: "Welcome to the ziggy zone of disruption. My name is Michael Rapaport, a.k.a. Mayor Rapaport. Mr. Mayor Rapaport, a.k.a. The Gringo Mandingo, a.k.a. The Enflamed Ashkenazi, a.k.a. The Sultan of Sniff."




For the entire one-hour episode he continued to refer to himself as 'Mayor Rapaport' until the end, when he made his big announcement. "Let me tell you something, guys, girls, women, children of all ages. 2025 was crazy, and I don't see it getting any f---ing calmer or cooler in 2026, the way things started. That's why I'm running for mayor."

He noted that he had actually announced his 'proposal' previously. Which is true, in an Instagram post shared on Thursday, he wrote, "Born. Raised. NYC. Nothing's free. No bulls---. No fake grins. I'll own my mistakes, apologise when I screw up, and fight to make this city safe, affordable, and thriving. You got Zoron the Moron now... Mayor Rapaport is coming."

Rapaport has been one of the most ardent and crude critics of Mamdani ever since he emerged as the Democratic frontrunner last summer. From his podcast episodes and social media posts to interviews on right-wing news channels, he did his best to share his opinions on Mamdani and let the world know just what he thinks of him. The focal point in his ever-existent animosity towards the 34-year-old mayor is his criticism of Israel and his Muslim identity.

"We have a s--- stain at the helm right now. We have a s--- stain at the helm right now in New York City, and it is a reality. It is a f---ing reality. I think he's going to supersede our wildest fears and expectations. Zohran the Zero, Zohran the Ziophobe, he is going to supersede all our fears and expectations," he added in the podcast episode.

"Do I think people are going to be getting chased around New York City with pitchforks? No, but he is softening the palate for so many f---ing things. He's got a huge f---ing ego," he said. "He's got a f---ing evil f---ing grin. And I think he's up to no good."

The actor also invited resumes from his fans as he is "taking it as far as I can take it."

Mamdani, the son of popular Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair, recently took his oath in an abandoned subway station below the City Hall. He took his oath on two Qur'ans and was supported by his artist wife, Rama Duwaji during the ceremony.