Michael Rapaport Announces Mayoral Run for New York City

Actor Michael Rapaport is considering a new direction in his career.

The 55-year-old made his ambitions known during the January 5 episode of the podcast “I Am Rapaport.” He shared his plans to run for mayor of New York City in 2029, introducing himself as “Michael Rapaport, also known as Mayor Rapaport, Mr. Rapaport.”

He remarked, “Let me just say to everyone, 2025 was wild, but I think 2026 won’t be any less hectic. It’s just the start of something.” He explained that this motivated him to throw his hat in the ring for mayor.

This announcement comes shortly after Zoran Mamdani was sworn in as the city’s new mayor earlier this month. Rapaport has been vocal about his disapproval of Mamdani’s democratic socialist policies.

While mostly recognized for his roles in film and television, Rapaport appears to be following a path similar to that of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronald Reagan, both of whom transitioned from acting to politics.

Background as a Comedian

Rapaport gained fame first as a stand-up comedian before making a successful switch to acting. He’s known for his bold and often confrontational style, frequently sharing his opinions on everyday life. He recalls his early days on stage, notably performing at an open mic night in Manhattan at age 19, hoping to make just one person laugh.

He described his stand-up experience as the gateway to acting, a realm he became captivated by. Though he stepped away from comedy at 25, he has recently made forays back into it.

Acting Career Begins

His breakthrough came with the 1992 film “Zebrahead,” where he played a young Jewish man in Detroit involved in an interracial romance. Despite its modest box office success, the film received critical acclaim, marking Rapaport as an actor to watch.

Following this, he landed a pivotal role in the 1993 classic “True Romance,” which features a star-studded cast including Christian Slater and Brad Pitt. In it, Rapaport portrays Dick Ritchie, who assists Clarence, the lead character, in navigating dangerous situations involving the mob.

In a past interview, Rapaport expressed confidence in that project, likening movie production to baking a cake: it needs the right ingredients and the right chef.

Television Success

Transitioning to television, Rapaport appeared in various major films, including “Higher Learning” and “Cop Land.” His rise to fame was solidified when he played Detective Gary, Phoebe’s boyfriend on “Friends.” He later starred in shows like “Boston Public” and “Prison Break,” continuing to balance film and television roles.

Most recently, he appeared on Netflix’s “Atypical,” where he appreciated the audience’s positive reception.

Podcasting Journey

In 2014, Rapaport launched his podcast “I Am Rapaport: Stereo Podcast,” which gained popularity and recognition as Best Sports Podcast at the 2015 Podcast Awards. The show evolved into a platform for his commentary on politics and social issues. Although he briefly collaborated with Barstool Sports, that partnership ended in 2018.

Personal Challenges

Despite his professional achievements, Rapaport has faced struggles in his personal life. In 1997, he was arrested for harassment related to an incident involving his ex-girlfriend, actress Lili Taylor.

Family Life

Rapaport first married TV producer Nicole Beatty in 2000, with whom he shares two sons. After their divorce, he rekindled his relationship with Keve Dunn from the ’90s, marrying her in 2016.

Looking Ahead to the Mayoral Election

After Zoran Mamdani’s election, Rapaport announced his intent to run in the 2029 election. He emphasized his New York roots and commitment to keeping the city safe and prosperous. In a spirited post on social media, he garnered support from fans excited about his candidacy.

Comments from followers reflected enthusiasm, with some even expressing plans to move to New York to support his run.