Instagram/@kalpenn
Actor and former White House aide Kal Penn, reminiscing about their long-standing friendship, gave an earnest endorsement of New York City Council candidate Zohran Mamdani on Instagram. Along with an old photo of the three friends, the post urged followers to engage in early voting before the June 22 deadline.
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The picture shows a younger group of Penn and Mamdani cuddling on the sofa as their third friend smiled in the warm light of the place. There is something informal and intimate about the entire arrangement, showing their bond together-Penn jokingly said he has known Mamdani “since he was himself a child.” The caption also praised Ali Sethi and other people working for Mamdani’s campaign-the endorsement comes full circle.
The endorsement was greeted by quick comments: one said, “Just rewatched The Namesake and saw Zohran’s name in the credits 😭🤯.” Another commenter described the duo as an “iconic team up,” and several others like Liz threw references to Penn’s breakthrough shout, “Yes Gogol Gangoolie!!”
Some disagreed, calling Mamdani antisemitic; though others replied and dismissed those allegations. Penn himself, a noted political activist, stayed above the fray, concentrating on grassroots organization instead, saying “LFG! 🗽🇺🇸❤️” (Let’s freaking go).
But Mamdani has been rising with the backing of several progressives; another clearly universal-childcare candidate-democratic socialists would be a reference from Penn’s caption. Penn’s post combining personal history and political advocacy is a strong testimony to his journey from Hollywood to public service over the days. Whether his nostalgia actually earns any votes will be seen by-and-by; meanwhile, the comments from these posts affirm that the big splash can still be made by starring credits.
The response contends-half the time in admiration, half the time against highlight how spaced out NYC politics is still. But this might well be an intelligent contrast in a race with so many candidates of a style focused on personality rather than policy discussions. As one of the supporters put it: “DO NOT SLEEP ON THAT KAL ENDORSEMENT, NEW YORK!!!”
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The call-to-action is well-timed as early voting will close soon. Campaigning will have to keep translating moments like these into real turnout; for now, these posts signify that politics, just like Hollywood, is about story and loyalty.
This story originally appeared on Celebrityinsider
