Knicks' Jalen Brunson led all athletes with 27 write-in votes for NYC mayor
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 7, 2025. Credit: AP/John Munson
GREENBURGH — Josh Hart isn’t sure Knicks teammate Jalen Brunson would make a good mayor, but he thinks it would be hilarious to see.
Brunson received 29 total write-in votes in New York City’s recent mayoral race — 27 as "Jalen Brunson" and then two misspellings of his name — despite not having a political platform, not being on the official ballot and not even living in New York City.
“Really? That’s funny,” Hart said when informed of his friend’s political success at Knicks practice on Monday. “I’m surprised it was only [29]. Maybe he should run when he retires.”
Does Hart think Brunson would make a good mayor?
“Probably not, but it would be funny to see,” said Hart, who also received one write-in vote.
Brunson beat out all other sports figures with Aaron Judge coming in second with 11 write-in votes.
For now, however, Brunson said he has ruled out having a political career any time soon.
“At this point in my life, no, I would not consider it,” Brunson said with a laugh. “We have a great fan base and it’s funny. It’s cool to see but I’m going to stay in my lane.”
Barbara Barker is an award-winning columnist and features writer in the sports department at Newsday. She has covered sports in New York for more than 20 years.
