Pete Davidson Urges Mamdani to Fix Brooklyn-Queens Expressway on Jimmy Kimmel

Key points

• Pete Davidson appeared on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on September 30, 2026, where he was introduced to Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
• Davidson asked Mamdani to fix the BQE, stating it has been under construction since before he was born and that he sees no active work, only cones and idle workers.
• Davidson suggested potential corruption, asking who is getting money from the project, and received loud applause from the studio audience.
• Mamdani responded by detailing the 'BQE Central Project,' a $4 billion initiative to repair the city-owned section between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street.
• Construction for this specific section is expected to begin in 2030 and will proceed over the next 10 years without diverting traffic into local neighborhoods.
• Mamdani, a Democratic socialist who took office in January 2026, emphasized that the plan focuses on the most at-risk infrastructure.

Background

Mayor Zohran Mamdani assumed office in January 2026 after a surprise victory in the mayoral race. His administration has recently focused on various urban issues, including opening a walk-in jobs center to address a 14,000 vacancy rate in city agencies and navigating a contentious pied-à-terre tax rollout. The BQE has long been a source of frustration for New Yorkers due to chronic congestion and aging infrastructure, making Davidson's public critique a reflection of broader resident dissatisfaction with city infrastructure management.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the tension between public expectations for infrastructure maintenance and the long timelines associated with major municipal projects. Davidson's direct appeal to the mayor via a national television platform underscores the political pressure on Mamdani's administration to deliver tangible results on long-standing urban issues. It also illustrates how celebrity endorsements or critiques can amplify local infrastructure debates, potentially influencing public perception of the mayor's effectiveness.

What to watch

The city is expected to proceed with the $4 billion BQE Central Project, with construction slated to begin in 2030. Public attention may remain focused on the timeline and execution of this plan, particularly as Davidson and other residents monitor for visible progress. Mamdani's administration will likely face continued scrutiny regarding the pace of infrastructure improvements in Brooklyn and Queens.