Dave Portnoy teases political future, contemplates running against Mamdani
OAN Staff Addie Davis and Katherine Mosack
2:25 PM – Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, hinted at a potential run for office, saying he would “love to run” against New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a self-described Democratic Socialist.
In an interview with Fox News host Jesse Waters on Monday, Portnoy floated the possibility of a political future, referring to the purported rise of Communist politicians, specifically referencing Mamdani.
“I’ve always thought I would never get involved in politics. I think you can do more in the private sector,” Portnoy said. “This and what is going on has actually made me pause that thought,” he continued.
Though he noted that his political ambitions depended “on the day,” he said if he were to run for office, it would be in NYC.
In a Saturday X post, Portnoy accused Mamdani of “turning New York into a Socialist/Communist anti-American city,” calling out his endorsement of congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.
Portnoy’s criticisms mirror similar sentiments from President Donald Trump, who made several Truth Social posts in recent days warning about Marxist ideologies becoming popular within the Democrat party and its base.
“America the Beautiful will NEVER be a Communist Country!!!” Trump declared on Truth Social last week after three candidates endorsed by Mamdani secured nominations in their Democrat primary elections.
New York state Representative Claire Valdez (D-N.Y.), nominated for New York’s 7th Congressional District, is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and the Socialist Majority Caucus.
Community organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier, nominated for New York’s 13th Congressional District, is “a proud member of the NYC Democratic Socialists of America,” according to her campaign website.
Urban planner and former New York City comptroller Brad Lander, nominated for New York’s 10th Congressional District, was also previously a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and was endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and New York Working Families Party (NYWFP).
Stay informed! Receive breaking news alerts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
What do YOU think? Click here to jump to the comments!
Sponsored Content Below
Advertising by Adpathway
