In a stunning political moment that’s being described as everything from “a tactical knockout” to “blatant political theater,” former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has publicly and fiercely attacked rising political star Jordan Reyes, the charismatic 38-year-old city councilman widely seen as the frontrunner to become the next Mayor of New York City.

Bondi’s comments came during a fiery segment on the fictional news program StateLine Now, where she didn’t hold back — accusing Reyes of being “a walking disaster wrapped in false charm” and declaring he would be “the final nail in the coffin of New York’s sanity.”

The Verbal Grenade

When asked about the state of politics in major U.S. cities, Bondi pivoted quickly to Reyes, launching into a blistering tirade:

“Jordan Reyes is exactly what happens when you mix TikTok populism with a Manhattan-sized ego. He’s got no real policy, no spine, and no clue how to run a city. If this man becomes mayor, pack your bags. Gotham’s gone.”

The segment quickly went viral, drawing reactions across political lines. Even Bondi’s harshest critics admitted: she didn’t pull a single punch.

Who Is Jordan Reyes?

Jordan Reyes, the son of Dominican immigrants and a self-described “progressive capitalist,” has risen through New York’s political ranks at lightning speed. With a background in community organizing and a degree from Columbia University, he earned a reputation as a pragmatic reformer with a sharp social media game and strong Gen Z support.

Known for his bold policies like “Rent-Free Fridays” for low-income residents and proposals to convert empty skyscrapers into affordable housing units, Reyes has captivated younger voters and become a household name in the boroughs.

But he’s also polarized the establishment, particularly with his defund-police rhetoric and promise to impose wealth taxes on ultra-rich real estate developers.

Bondi’s Accusations

In her scathing critique, Bondi accused Reyes of:

• “Undermining law enforcement” with his plan to shrink NYPD funding by 30%

• “Turning the city into a playground for chaos” with experimental social programs

• And most controversially, “fraternizing with known agitators” — a thinly veiled reference to Reyes’s former collaborations with radical grassroots organizers.

“This guy wants to run the greatest city in America, and he can’t even run a clean campaign,” Bondi said. “He’s got influence, sure. But so did the Joker.”

Reyes Responds: “This Isn’t Gotham. And I’m Not Your Villain.”

Never one to back down, Jordan Reyes responded within hours via his official Threads account:

“Pam Bondi’s fear-mongering says more about her politics than mine. I’m not here to impress Florida lawyers who haven’t lived a New York day in their life. I’m here to serve the people — not scare them.”

He later doubled down with a viral video showing him handing out backpacks in the Bronx, captioned:
“Real leaders don’t tear people down. They lift cities up.”

Analysts Weigh In

Political analysts are divided on whether Bondi’s outburst will damage Reyes’s chances — or catapult him even higher.

• “This could be a gift in disguise,” said Dr. Claire Underwood, a political analyst from Hudson Institute for Urban Strategy. “Reyes now looks like the outsider being targeted by the establishment. That’s rocket fuel in 2025.”

• Others warn that Bondi’s words might sway undecided moderates, particularly voters concerned about public safety.

Meanwhile, a satirical account posted mock campaign buttons reading:
“Jordan Reyes: Too Radical for Pam Bondi? Just Right for NYC.”

A Turning Point?

As New York City heads into a heated election cycle, Bondi’s brutal takedown of Jordan Reyes may have opened a new front in the culture war narrative — one where national political figures attempt to shape local races through high-profile media attacks.

Whether it backfires or strikes gold, one thing is certain: Pam Bondi just threw down a political gauntlet, and Jordan Reyes isn’t walking away from it.

The city is watching. So is the nation.