New York City’s mayoral race is heating up, but not all of the headlines have been about policy.
Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old Democratic nominee, drew attention this weekend for a very different reason—his attempt to lift a 135-pound barbell at a public event in Brooklyn.
A Gym Moment Goes Viral
Mamdani was attending the annual Men’s Day open streets event, dressed in a crisp white collared shirt, black slacks, and dress shoes.
As he lay on the weightlifting bench, the crowd cheered him on, some jokingly encouraging him, “This is how you move up in the polls.”
Despite the support, Mamdani struggled to lift the bar without his spotter holding on.
After two repetitions, he stepped off the bench, thanked his assistant, and walked away.
Video of the moment quickly circulated on social media, sparking widespread commentary.
Online Reactions Mix Humor and Political Jabs
The footage didn’t go unnoticed, drawing reactions from both the public and political rivals. Mayor Eric Adams tweeted, “64 vs. 33. A lifetime of hard work vs. a silver spoon.
The results speak for themselves,” adding that Mamdani could barely lift the weight of the job.
Social media users piled on with humorous takes:
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“Zohran out here preaching revolution but can’t even bench 95lbs; bro’s strongest lift is raising your taxes.”
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“The left’s attempts to appear masculine are so outrageous… shameless and hilarious at the same time.”
Supporters Defend Mamdani
Not everyone joined the mockery. Some fans and commentators emphasized that gym performance has little to do with political qualifications.
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“Public service should be about policy and integrity, not proving strength in a gym setting.”
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“Bench press ain’t everything, homie. Mamdani’s still got mad game.”
The bench press moment became more of a humorous side note rather than a referendum on his candidacy for some voters.
Mamdani’s Platform and Controversies
Beyond the gym, Mamdani has been campaigning on bold, progressive policies that could reshape New York City.
He proposes raising $9 billion in taxes on millionaires and corporations to fund fare-free buses, free child care, and affordable housing initiatives.
He also wants to spend $65 million on transgender care and has suggested city-owned grocery stores.
The candidate has made headlines for advocating defunding the NYPD while also claiming he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited New York.
A Contentious Race Ahead
Mamdani’s opponents in the general election include former governor Andrew Cuomo and incumbent mayor Eric Adams, both running as independents, along with Republican candidates Jim Walden and Curtis Sliwa.
He has also faced criticism for personal choices, including an extravagant wedding at his parents’ Ugandan estate.
Past controversial statements, such as anti-NYPD tweets resurfacing after a deadly Midtown shooting, have kept him in the public eye.
With the campaign heating up, Mamdani’s policy proposals, personal life, and even his bench press attempts are all under intense scrutiny as voters prepare for the next chapter in New York City politics.
