Hollywood actor Michael Rapaport has unleashed a scathing critique of New York mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani, accusing the Democrat of faking his everyman persona, Breitbart reported.

The controversy centers on Rapaport’s public disdain for Mamdani, a self-described Democratic Socialist leading the race, while the actor throws his support behind former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, alongside a backdrop of polling data showing a tight contest if the Republican candidate exits.

Rapaport took to Instagram with a pointed jab, posting a photo of Mamdani awkwardly eating a burrito with a fork on a subway train. This image, he argues, exposes the candidate’s disconnect from the gritty reality of New York life. It’s a visual that begs the question: who navigates a burrito with utensils while bouncing along on the MTA?

Rapaport’s Sharp Critique of Mamdani’s Persona

The actor didn’t hold back, painting Mamdani as a polished fraud trying to pass as a streetwise New Yorker. “This clown wants New Yorkers to think he’s one of us,” Rapaport fumed on Instagram, suggesting the candidate lacks the cultural pulse of the city. It’s a harsh but relatable concern for those weary of politicians who seem more rehearsed than real.

Continuing his attack, Rapaport mocked Mamdani’s subway dining etiquette with biting sarcasm. “Who eats a Burrito with a fork & knife????” he exclaimed, highlighting what he sees as an absurd performance of relatability. For many hardworking commuters, this image might just crystallize doubts about whether Mamdani truly gets their daily grind.

Rapaport’s frustration isn’t just personal; it’s a call to action for voters to reject what he views as a progressive charade. He’s openly pushing for Andrew Cuomo, the former governor, as a more grounded alternative to lead the city. This endorsement cuts against the grain of Mamdani’s current lead, but it resonates with those skeptical of overly curated political images.

Polling Data Shows a Tightening Race

Despite Rapaport’s fiery words, the numbers tell a different story—at least for now. A recent AARP and Gotham poll places Mamdani ahead with a commanding 43.2% support among likely voters. That’s a double-digit lead over Cuomo, who trails at 28.9%.

Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, meanwhile, holds 19.4% in the same survey, a distant third in this contentious race. His presence splits the vote, potentially benefiting Mamdani by diluting opposition. It’s a dynamic that keeps political analysts on edge.

Interestingly, CBS News reported a hypothetical twist: if Sliwa were to step aside, the race tightens dramatically. Mamdani would edge out Cuomo with 44.6% to 40.7%, a gap within the poll’s margin of error. This suggests a fierce battle could emerge if the field narrows.

Sliwa Stands Firm on Staying In

Sliwa, however, has no intention of bowing out, quashing speculation about a two-man showdown. “I’m not dropping out,” he declared firmly, emphasizing the democratic principle of every vote counting. His resolve adds another layer of uncertainty to an already heated contest.

For conservatives watching this unfold, Rapaport’s critique of Mamdani taps into broader frustrations with progressive politicians who seem out of touch with everyday struggles. The burrito incident, trivial as it may sound, symbolizes a deeper disconnect—one that could sway undecided voters looking for authenticity over ideology. It’s a reminder that optics matter in a city as raw and real as New York.

Cuomo’s trailing numbers, though, pose a challenge for those hoping to steer the city away from Mamdani’s socialist-leaning policies. While Rapaport’s endorsement carries weight among some, it’s unclear if it can shift the momentum against a candidate riding a wave of polled support. The former governor’s experience might appeal to pragmatists, but he’s got ground to make up.

Authenticity Debate Shapes Voter Perceptions

The clash between Rapaport’s pointed barbs and Mamdani’s poll lead underscores a larger battle over who truly represents New Yorkers. Is it the candidate with the progressive agenda and a knack for photo ops, or the seasoned politician with a controversial but familiar track record? Voters will have to cut through the noise to decide.

For now, Mamdani holds the advantage, but Rapaport’s viral critique might plant seeds of doubt among those on the fence. The subway burrito saga, while humorous, speaks to a serious concern about whether leaders genuinely understand the city’s heartbeat. It’s a small moment with potentially big implications.

As this mayoral race heats up, the interplay of personality, policy, and public perception will only grow more intense. With Sliwa staying put and Cuomo lurking close behind, Mamdani can’t afford to dismiss critiques like Rapaport’s as mere celebrity noise. New Yorkers, ever discerning, will be watching every bite—literal and figurative—until the final votes are cast.