Michael Rapaport promises Andy Cohen that he “will become the Mayor of New York City” on ‘WWHL’: “I’m dead serious”

Michael Rapaport is “dead serious” about running for Mayor of New York City in 2029.

The actor, who has been loudly criticized for his stint on The Traitors Season 4, announced his bid for office days after Zohran Mamdani was sworn in. When he appeared on Tuesday night’s (Jan. 27) episode of Watch What Happens Live, his longtime friend Andy Cohen grilled him about his shocking announcement.

“Why are you running for mayor when you can’t survive the Traitors roundtable?” he asked, to which Rapaport replied, “That was pre-gaming, getting me ready for the election that I will be winning 2029. Michael Rapaport will become the Mayor of New York City.”

When Cohen questioned if he was actually “serious” about running, Rapaport promised, “I’m serious.”

“Come on,” Cohen pressed, to which Rapaport told him, “I’m dead serious. Watch it happen.”

Rapaport announced his candidacy earlier this month, telling his podcast listeners, “Let me tell you something, guys, girls, women, children of all ages. 2025 was crazy, and I don’t see it getting any fucking calmer or cooler in 2026, the way things started. That’s why I’m running for mayor,” per The Hollywood Reporter.

The Friends alum—who has been critical of Mamdani—followed up his announcement with an Instagram post, which he captioned, “I, Michael Rapaport, am running for Mayor of New York City — 2029. Born. Raised. NYC. Nothing’s free. No bullshit. No fake grins. I’ll own my mistakes, apologize when I screw up, and fight to make this city safe, affordable, and thriving. You got Zohron the Moron now … Mayor Rapaport is coming. How do you like them apples? 🍎🗽”

Watch What Happens Live airs Sunday through Thursday at 10 p.m. ET on Bravo. New episodes are available to stream the next day on Peacock.