Comedian and outspoken New Yorker Michael Rapaport took aim at Democratic socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on his podcast Tuesday, mocking the Queens assemblyman with a new nickname: “Zohran the Moron.”
“I’ve heard people say they’ll leave New York if Zohran the Moron wins,” Rapaport said, deliberately rhyming Mamdani’s name with “moron.” “Don’t go anywhere. Don’t let this guy run you out of your city.”
Mamdani’s primary victory has drawn intense backlash from some Jewish New Yorkers and business leaders over his positions on Israel and far-left economic policies. In particular, Mamdani drew criticism for refusing to condemn the slogan “globalize the intifada” during an NBC interview. He later told business leaders he wouldn’t personally use the phrase and would discourage its use by others.
Rapaport, who has become an outspoken supporter of Israel since the October 7 Hamas attack, was blunt in his condemnation.
“Don’t let this terrorist supporter, socialist bull— artist run you out of your city,” Rapaport said, calling Mamdani’s politics “a disgrace.”
The comedian went on to question Mamdani’s connection to the city. “He’s not even from here,” he said, referring to Mamdani’s Ugandan birth. “If he wins, I’m not leaving. I’ll take the financial hit. I’m not going anywhere.”
Mamdani, a Muslim and progressive state lawmaker from Queens, shocked the political world by defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary earlier this month. His victory has energized the city’s left-wing base—but also fueled fears among moderates and longtime residents concerned about rising antisemitism and economic instability.
“I’m never leaving New York for a Three-Card Monty-playing bulls— artist like you, Zohran the Moron,” Rapaport said. “If this guy wins, we have no one to blame but ourselves. We need to dust ourselves off and make New York great again.”
Rapaport has been sharply critical of Mamdani since the primary. In a recent NewsNation interview, he expressed disbelief over the candidate’s popularity.
“We are this close to having someone like that lead the greatest city in the world,” he said. “The fact that he’s even a serious contender is a slap in the face to every New Yorker who loves this city.”
