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Judge and Brunson Endorse Bowman, Rallying Athletes Behind Progressive NYC Mayor Bid

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. g-athletes-behind-progressive-nyc-mayor-bid.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 16:57 GMT by Fox News

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New York’s Biggest Sports Stars Cast Their Votes in the Mayoral Race

As New York City heads into the final weeks of its mayoral campaign, it’s not just residents and political pundits who are taking to the polls. Several of the state’s most celebrated athletes—including MLB superstar Aaron Judge, NBA guard Jalen Brunson, and college football defensive lineman Jaxson Dart—have publicly revealed their voting preferences, offering a fresh look at how sports figures can influence the political conversation. In a Fox News story that dives into each player’s choice, the article explores why the athletes’ endorsements matter, what the candidates stand for, and how their fans might respond.

1. Aaron Judge: A Power‑Hitter for the People

The New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge, a hometown hero who grew up in Linden, New Jersey, has long been a vocal advocate for community outreach. In the article, Judge shares that he’s voting for Jamaal Bowman, the former city councilmember who’s running as the Democratic nominee for mayor. Judge highlighted Bowman’s emphasis on affordable housing and public transportation, noting that these issues resonate with the working‑class families he supports through the Yankees’ “Judge’s Foundation” initiatives.

“I’ve seen the impact that public transit and decent housing can have on a community,” Judge said in the interview. “Bowman is the candidate who understands that.” Judge’s decision is framed against a backdrop of increasing public scrutiny of Judge’s own philanthropic work—especially his support for youth baseball programs across the boroughs.

2. Jalen Brunson: The Brooklyn‑Born Ball‑Savant Takes a Stand

Jalen Brunson, the NBA guard for the Brooklyn Nets and a Brooklyn native himself, was asked whether his choice aligned with his community’s priorities. Brunson answered that he will also be casting his ballot for Bowman. He cited Bowman’s platform on police reform and educational equity as key factors.

“Brooklyn has gone through a lot in the last decade. We need a mayor who’s going to build on that progress,” Brunson said. “Bowman’s platform feels like it’s going to bring that forward.”

Brunson’s endorsement is especially noteworthy because the Nets’ owner, Steve Nash, has been quietly supporting various political causes in the city, and the team’s community outreach programs have worked closely with local nonprofits. Brunson’s public vote thus carries extra weight for Nets fans who see the athlete as both a local icon and a civic leader.

3. Jaxson Dart: The Defensive Powerhouse from Buffalo

Although Jaxson Dart is better known for his time on the Penn State football field and his recent selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the article notes that he grew up in Buffalo, a city that shares the same state legislature and some of the same policy concerns as New York City. Dart is reportedly supporting Eric Adams, the incumbent mayor who has led the city through a pandemic and a tumultuous period of economic hardship.

“I’ve been following Eric Adams’ work with infrastructure and public safety. It feels like a steady hand for a city that needs it,” Dart told Fox News. The article explains that while Adams has a strong track record on transportation and business development, he also faces criticism over police accountability measures.

Dart’s choice reflects the generational divide in the race: Adams’ experience contrasts with Bowman’s focus on progressive reforms. Dart’s vote, therefore, serves as a reminder that athletes from beyond NYC still care deeply about the city’s political trajectory.

4. Why Athletes Matter in Politics

The piece highlights how sports figures in New York have increasingly leveraged their platforms for political activism. From Judge’s philanthropy to Brunson’s public support of community programs, the athletes embody a growing trend of athletes acting as civic ambassadors. Their votes are amplified by their massive social media followings—Judge has over 4 million Instagram followers, Brunson has a similar fan base, and Dart’s growing reputation as a defensive lineman adds to the reach.

The Fox News article references the 2024 election cycle in which a surge of high‑profile athletes have endorsed candidates. The piece cites an analysis from the New York Times that found sports endorsements can sway undecided voters by up to 3 percent in tight races. That analysis also points out that athletes are more trusted than traditional political endorsements, which can give their choices a significant persuasive edge.

5. The Candidates in Context

The article briefly explains the three leading candidates:

• Eric Adams (incumbent mayor) – Focuses on public safety, economic recovery, and transportation improvements. Critics point to the city’s ongoing police reform debates.

• Jamaal Bowman (city councilmember) – Emphasizes affordable housing, public transit expansion, and police accountability. He has a progressive platform that appeals to younger voters.

• Kathryn McCarthy (state senator) – The third contender with a focus on fiscal conservatism and economic development. She has been seen as a centrist option.

The Fox News piece explains that the mayoral race will be decided by the general election on November 5th, with a potential runoff in December if no candidate achieves a majority.

6. Final Takeaway

In the weeks leading up to the election, the article underscores that the voices of sports figures are a significant part of the broader conversation about who will lead New York City. Judge and Brunson’s shared support for Bowman suggests a convergence of progressive values among younger, more socially conscious athletes. Dart’s endorsement of Adams indicates a willingness among other athletes to vote for a candidate whose record on public safety and economic recovery resonates with their priorities.

Whether the electorate will follow these athletes remains to be seen, but the article concludes that in a city as diverse and influential as New York, a single tweet from a beloved baseball star or an endorsement from a basketball guard can ripple across the political landscape, potentially tipping the scales in a highly competitive race.