Dave Portnoy hints at running for New York mayor against Zoran Mamdani
The founder of Barstool Sports, a vocal critic of Mamdani, says Mamdani has done “a lot of good” in the city. Here’s what you need to know:
Republican politicians across the country criticized Mayor Zoran Mamdani after he warned New Yorkers not to put too much pressure on the power grid during the intense heat.
The city is currently facing several days of extreme temperatures forecast to continue into the weekend.
Here is Mamdani’s statement and the subsequent backlash from the Republican Party.
Mamdani asks New Yorkers to set air conditioner to 78 degrees
On Wednesday, the mayor posted to X asking residents not to overburden the power grid.
“New York: It’s hot outside and the power grid is working overtime to keep us cool,” he wrote.
“Please set your air conditioner to 78 degrees, turn off lights and appliances that are not in use, and unplug them.” The mayor then said New York City facilities would follow this suggestion.
“Our city is doing its part, too, by maintaining the 78-degree rule in our buildings, dimming and turning off lights during peak electricity demand, asking our private partners to do the same, and turning off non-essential equipment,” he said.
“A stable power grid means air conditioners can keep running and lives can be saved. Let’s ease demand and beat the heat together.”
Recent guidance from the Department of Energy suggests starting your air conditioner at 75 to 78 degrees and increasing that temperature if no one is home.
Republicans react
After the post, many Republicans responded by blaming socialism for the request.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican running for governor of Ohio, wrote to X: “This is what socialism looks like. Folks, the right answer is not restrictions or mandates. It’s drilling, fracking, coal, and nuclear power.” “That’s how we roll in at Ohio State.”
Former presidential candidate Nikki Haley tweeted: “Welcome to socialism.”
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz joked, “In the developed world, you could turn on the air conditioning.” The post added a community note stating that the state of Texas has also asked residents to turn their air conditioners to 78 degrees in the past.
Even Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who said he was considering running for mayor, criticized the post.
“78 degrees??? Welcome, communists! Have fun!” he posted.
