Mayor Mamdani Could Have A High Profile Challenger
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy is no longer ruling out a future in politics, suggesting that New York City's political direction has caused him to reconsider a position he once thought was settled.
During an appearance Monday on Jesse Watters Primetime on Fox News, Portnoy reacted to questions about whether he would ever challenge New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. While stopping short of announcing any plans, he acknowledged that the idea is no longer off the table.
The discussion followed Watters' criticism of New York City's recent primary elections and the victories secured by candidates backed by Mamdani. Asking what could be done in response to the city's political trajectory, Watters pressed Portnoy on whether he had considered entering public office himself.
Portnoy explained that he had long believed he could make a greater impact through private enterprise than elected office. However, he said recent developments have caused him to rethink that assumption.
"I've always thought I would never get involved in politics, but I think you can do more in the private sector," Portnoy said. "What is going on has actually made me pause that thought."
Referencing a quote commonly attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, Portnoy argued that citizens who avoid public service risk leaving government in the hands of less capable leaders.
"I feel like that's what's happening," he said, adding that low voter turnout and the Democratic Party's internal dynamics have contributed to the current political environment.
Portnoy described the situation in New York as "a scary time" and suggested he feels a growing sense of responsibility to become more involved.
"I do feel like it's my duty. I can't turn away," he said. "I feel like I could make a change, maybe do a run in politics. So I don't know."
When Watters asked directly whether that could mean running against Mamdani, Portnoy replied that if he ever sought office, New York City would be the place to do it.
"If I was going to run, it would be here," Portnoy said. "Can I win here? I have no idea."
He pointed to his visibility in the city through Barstool Sports and charitable efforts, including the Barstool Fund and his widely followed pizza review series, saying those projects have earned him support from many New Yorkers.
"I've done a lot of good in New York City when I wasn't thinking about politics," he said.
Portnoy also contrasted his business background with the careers of many elected officials, arguing that his experience building companies and working in the private sector would provide practical preparation for public office.
"I've had a real job. I've done real things," he said, criticizing career politicians whom he believes lack firsthand experience outside government.
He also offered his assessment of the coalition supporting many of the candidates who recently won local races, arguing that a segment of younger, highly educated voters is driving the city's political direction. Portnoy expressed skepticism that those voters would support his candidacy should he decide to run.
This is not the first time Portnoy has publicly criticized Mamdani. He has previously described the mayor's political philosophy as fundamentally opposed to free-market principles and has warned that Mamdani's policy proposals represent a significant departure from the economic system he believes has driven American prosperity.