Overview
- Portnoy told Fox News host Jesse Watters that he “would love to run” against Mayor Zohran Mamdani and asked “Can I win here?” during an interview that aired on Monday.
- He cited his business record and the Barstool Fund as evidence of his qualifications while repeatedly criticizing Mamdani and the candidates the mayor backed as out of touch.
- Portnoy has not filed paperwork or formally announced a campaign and described the idea as something he is actively weighing rather than a decision he has made.
- The comments followed a string of late‑June primary wins by Mamdani‑backed Democrats that supporters of Portnoy’s remarks say prompted his interest and critics say highlight steep political hurdles.
- Coverage and social media response ranged from encouragement to mockery, and analysts say Portnoy’s name recognition could draw attention while New York’s deep Democratic electorate and his controversial record pose major obstacles.