Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has signaled a potential entry into electoral politics, telling Fox News' Jesse Watters he is considering a run for office—possibly against New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The media personality, known for his brash commentary and pizza reviews, admitted he had long resisted political ambition, believing the private sector offered more leverage. But recent developments have changed his calculus.
“I always thought I would never get involved in politics,” Portnoy said Monday. “What is going on has actually made me pause that thought.” He described a daily internal conflict: waking up in Nantucket with a peaceful ocean view and asking himself why he would want to disrupt his life, only to conclude that he cannot ignore what he sees as a crisis in his hometown.
“We need leaders to step up,” Portnoy added. “I spend a lot of my day losing my mind on what’s happening right now, especially in New York.” When pressed by Watters on whether he would challenge Mamdani directly, Portnoy replied, “If I was going to run, it would be here.” He acknowledged uncertainty about his chances, noting he doesn’t know the city’s demographics well enough to predict victory but believes he has a reservoir of goodwill built through philanthropic efforts like the Barstool Fund and support for local pizza shops.
A Shift in Political Landscape
Portnoy’s flirtation with a campaign comes as democratic socialists score major primary wins, reshaping the political landscape in New York and beyond. He has been sharply critical of Mamdani, whom he called a “professional actor” on social media, and of the mayor’s endorsed candidate, Darializa Avila Chevalier, whose recent Democratic primary victory over Rep. Adriano Espaillat drew Portnoy’s ire. “He is turning New York into a socialist/communist anti American city,” Portnoy wrote on X, listing what he described as Avila Chevalier’s controversial statements.
Portnoy did not specify whether he would run as a Democrat, Republican, or independent. His political leanings have been ambiguous, though his rhetoric often aligns with conservative critiques of progressive governance. The potential bid echoes a broader trend of celebrities and media figures seeking office, most notably President Trump, who leveraged his business and reality TV fame into the White House. More recently, former “The Hills” star Spencer Pratt ran a quixotic campaign for Los Angeles mayor after his home was destroyed in the Palisades fire, finishing third behind City Council member Nithya Raman, a democratic socialist who will face incumbent Karen Bass.
Portnoy’s Appeal and Challenges
Portnoy’s influence is rooted in his massive online following and his reputation as a straight-talking entrepreneur. He has used his platform to rally small business support and criticize what he sees as overreach by city officials. However, running in a heavily Democratic city where Mamdani has strong progressive backing could be an uphill battle. Portnoy himself admitted, “I don’t know the demographics, whether they’re getting enough votes.” Yet he remains confident that his past actions—not political stunts—have earned him credibility: “I’ve done a lot of good in New York City when I wasn’t thinking about politics.”
The Hill has reached out to Mamdani’s office for comment on Portnoy’s potential challenge. As the 2025 mayoral race begins to take shape, Portnoy’s entry could inject a volatile, unpredictable element into New York’s already turbulent political scene. For now, he leaves the door open, caught between the comfort of private life and the pull of public duty.
