Pete Davidson recently raised questions about Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s ties to Staten Island, the comedian’s hometown. During a chat with Variety, Davidson expressed some skepticism, saying, “Zohran Mamdani… is he Staten Island? I don’t know.” He added, “I don’t think he’s from Staten Island.”
Davidson also pondered whether Mamdani has the spirit of Staten Island. Acknowledging his uncertainty, he claimed, “I definitely don’t think he’s Staten Island at all. Staten Island’s the only red place in New York, and it’s violently red.” Interestingly, Davidson shared that much of his family leans conservative: “It’s not, like, storm-the-capital vibe. It’s more like, ‘[Trump is] funny. Like, I don’t care. I just need something different.'” It seems his connection to the borough is deeply personal yet complex.
“You are not a real Staten Island politician unless you have a secret family and know one mobster,” he quipped, adding a humorous take on local politics.
In a previous appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, Davidson voiced some concerns about infrastructure, notably the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE), which he described as “f—ing BQE.” His plea was met with cheers from the audience, highlighting shared frustrations about the highway that has been under construction for what felt like an eternity. “Someone’s just standing there eating a sandwich or on the phone,” he remarked. “And there’s all these cones around.” It’s a classic Davidson mix of humor and genuine annoyance.
Kimmel cleverly reminded the audience that this has been an ongoing issue, with Davidson adding, “I would not trust you to run Staten Island.” Davidson’s informal questioning may have both entertained and spoke to a larger issue of accountability among city leaders.
When Mamdani was finally asked about the BQE, he outlined a $4 billion revitalization plan for the highway, anticipated to begin in 2030. He emphasized that the city intends to prioritize repair and safety without disrupting local neighborhoods. “We’re going to be putting a multibillion-dollar plan to actually repair the part the city owns,” Mamdani explained, aiming for a more effective and safe highway.
It was clear from the exchange that both Davidson and Mamdani have strong feelings about Staten Island, each reflecting different aspects of its identity. The conversation feels like a snapshot of a community wrestling with change, nostalgia, and ongoing challenges.
