"Nothing is Free"... Actor Michael Rapaport Announces Candidacy for 2029 New York City Mayor Election

Actor and podcaster Michael Rapaport (55), known for the American sitcom 'Friends' and the movie 'Deep Blue Sea', has thrown his hat in the ring for the upcoming New York City mayoral election. This shocking announcement comes just days after the newly inaugurated mayor's term began.

According to local media such as the New York Daily News on the 9th (local time), Rapaport officially announced his intention to run in the 2029 New York City mayoral election through his podcast 'I Am Rapaport' on the 6th.

◆ "I will prepare from now on... I will go as far as I can"

Hailing from the Upper East Side of New York, Rapaport expressed strong determination on the broadcast, stating, "I need to prepare from now on. I will go as far as I can." He particularly aimed his criticism at the newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani (34), who is affiliated with the Democratic Party. Rapaport stated, "I do not trust him," criticizing Mamdani's policy direction.

◆ The slogan is "Nothing is Free"

Rapaport has positioned the reality that "Nothing is Free in This World" as the core principle of his campaign. He declared, "My campaign will be based on the fact that you will not get anything for free (during my term)." This is interpreted as a conservative stance that stands in opposition to the current progressive welfare policies.

◆ More than 1,400 days until the election, is it already overheated?

There are still more than 1,400 days until the 2029 election, and there is no evidence that Rapaport has submitted official documents to the election commission. However, he hinted that it was not just a simple joke by requesting on the broadcast, "If you want to join my campaign, submit your resume."

There is growing interest in how the challenge of the 'provocateur' Rapaport, who has not hesitated to make political statements through social media in the past, will impact New York's political landscape.