Dave Portnoy Considers Running Against NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani

Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, has expressed interest in entering politics, suggesting he would “love to run” against New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who identifies as a Democratic Socialist.

In a Monday interview with Jesse Waters on Fox News, Portnoy discussed the possibility of a political future, especially considering what he sees as a troubling trend of Communist politicians, particularly pointing to Mamdani.

“I’ve always thought I would never get involved in politics. I think you can do more in the private sector,” Portnoy stated. “This and what is going on has actually made me pause that thought,” he added.

He mentioned that his political ambitions could vary “depending on the day,” but if he were to pursue a campaign, it would definitely be in New York City.

In a Saturday post on X, Portnoy criticized Mamdani for allegedly “turning New York into a Socialist/Communist anti-American city.” He specifically condemned Mamdani’s support for congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, who is associated with the Democratic Socialists of America.

“Give Mandami credit. He is doing exactly what he said he would do when elected. He is turning New York into a socialist/communist anti-American city by getting ‘politicians’ like Darializa Avila Chevalier elected,” Portnoy wrote.

His views reflect alarm about leftist ideologies within the Democratic Party, similar to comments made recently by former President Donald Trump, who has warned about the increasing popularity of Marxist ideas among Democrats.

“America the Beautiful will NEVER be a Communist Country!!!” Trump asserted on Truth Social, following the nomination of three candidates backed by Mamdani in their Democratic primary races.

New York state Representative Claire Valdez (D-N.Y.), who has been nominated for New York’s 7th Congressional District, is involved with the Democratic Socialists of America and the Socialist Majority Caucus.

Darializa Avila Chevalier, nominated for New York’s 13th Congressional District, proudly identifies as a member of the NYC Democratic Socialists of America, as mentioned on her campaign site.

Brad Lander, an urban planner and former New York City comptroller, received a nomination for New York’s 10th Congressional District. He has previously been affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America and has the endorsement of Senator Bernie Sanders and the New York Working Families Party.