Dave Portnoy Mulls a New York City Mayoral Bid Against Mayor Zohran Mamdani

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy told host Jesse Watters on *Jesse Watters Primetime* that he is “losing my mind on what’s happening right now, especially in New York” and is contemplating a run for elected office in New York City. He said he would “love to run against” incumbent Mayor Zohran Mamdani if he entered politics, but admitted uncertainty about his chances, noting he “doesn’t know the demographics, if I could get enough votes.” Portnoy framed the decision as a clash between his “real-world” experience and what he described as “clown politicians” who have never held a “real job.”

We Got This Covered‘A lot of people who like me’: Dave Portnoy addresses running for office against ‘clown politician’ Zohran Mamdani

Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, secured the mayoralty after a series of primary victories that also saw three congressional candidates he backed win their primaries, unseating establishment Democrats. Mamdani’s working relationship with the Trump administration has drawn media attention, with reports describing direct interaction despite policy disagreements. Portnoy, a Massachusetts resident, built Barstool Sports into a multimillion-dollar media empire and has previously highlighted charitable efforts such as the Barstool Fund and investments in New York pizza establishments.

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• Dave Portnoy – Founder of Barstool Sports, media personality, self-described millionaire.

‘A lot of people who like me’: Dave Portnoy addresses running for office against ‘clown politician’ Zohran Mamdani

• Zohran Mamdani – Current mayor of New York City, Democratic socialist, linked to recent primary successes.

‘A lot of people who like me’: Dave Portnoy addresses running for office against ‘clown politician’ Zohran Mamdani

• Jesse Watters – Host of the primetime interview where Portnoy discussed his potential candidacy.

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• Three congressional candidates endorsed by Mamdani won their primaries, defeating establishment Democrats.

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• Portnoy’s Barstool Fund and pizza-shop investments are cited as evidence of his “real-world” contributions to the city.

‘A lot of people who like me’: Dave Portnoy addresses running for office against ‘clown politician’ Zohran Mamdani

• No polling data or demographic breakdowns are provided regarding Portnoy’s potential voter base.

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Portnoy summarized his motivation as a mix of frustration with city leadership and a sense of civic duty. He contrasted his “real job” experience with career politicians, asserting that he has “done a lot of good in NYC” through charitable and business activities. Media coverage notes Mamdani’s ongoing engagement with the Trump administration, though no direct comment from Mamdani on Portnoy’s remarks is recorded in the sources.

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Portnoy criticized the Democratic Party, stating, “What the Democrats have done is they’ve let the fox into the hen house,” and characterized recent primary victors as “young, white, Ivy-League-ish, elitish women” who, in his view, “will never vote for me.” He labeled incumbent officials as “clown politicians” lacking real-world experience. No organized opposition to Portnoy’s prospective candidacy is documented in the available excerpts.

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The sources provide no concrete figures on Portnoy’s support, voter demographics, or fundraising capacity. While Portnoy claims a sizable base of “people who like me in New York City,” no independent verification or polling is cited. Additionally, Mamdani’s perspective on the potential challenge remains unreported.

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• “I’m losing my mind on what’s happening right now, especially in New York,” — Dave Portnoy, Barstool Sports founder

‘A lot of people who like me’: Dave Portnoy addresses running for office against ‘clown politician’ Zohran Mamdani

• “Portnoy: I would love to run against—if I was going to run, it would be here.” — Dave Portnoy

‘A lot of people who like me’: Dave Portnoy addresses running for office against ‘clown politician’ Zohran Mamdani

• “I’ve done real things, unlike these clown politicians who have never had a job and never been in the real world for a day.” — Dave Portnoy

‘A lot of people who like me’: Dave Portnoy addresses running for office against ‘clown politician’ Zohran Mamdani

• “There’s a lot of people who like me in New York City. I know that,” — Dave Portnoy

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• “What the Democrats have done is they’ve let the fox into the hen house. And now he’s just running rampant and kicking them all out,” — Dave Portnoy

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Portnoy has not announced a formal campaign, indicating that his decision will hinge on further assessment of voter demographics and personal viability. Observers will watch for any official filing or public declaration in the weeks ahead as the next New York City election cycle approaches.

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