Randall Winston (fictional character)

Randall Winston was a fictional character on the American Television program Spin City. Winston was the Mayor of New York City throughout the show's six-year run. He was played by Barry Bostwick.

Mayor Winston was a city councilman for ten years prior to becoming Mayor and also a borough President for some time. He is a Democrat (this fact is mentioned only in passing, such as brief references to the DNC). He is a liberal and believes strongly in public education.

It is implied, though not stated directly, that Winston ran for mayor at the instruction/coercion of Mike Flaherty, who became his Deputy Mayor for most of his term.

Winston appears to be an intelligent and charismatic mayor who has the ability to connect with voters. Much of this is a carefully orchestrated sham by his staff, especially Mike. The Mayor is actually unbalanced in a number of ways. He is childish, vain, outrageously dim and often oblivious to events, such as forgetting he is the mayor. He behaves in very odd ways behind the scenes, and sometimes in front of them. He has little or no self-control, blurts things out (when asked if he would march in the Gay Pride Parade, he replied "What are you? Drunk?") and generally behaves like a child. He is not, however, without a degree of media skill - he is capable of thinking on his feet and 'winging it' at public events when required. The Mayor also suffers from a lack of focus, letting his mind wander from topic to topic almost at random, and often becoming obsessive and carried away with minor, trivial things.

Mayor Winston is totally incapable of functioning without constant help and advice from aides, especially Mike. In some episodes he is shown having difficulty with everyday tasks unless someone helps him.

The Mayor apparently came to power sometime before the first season. In Season 3 he is re-elected (though this victory is unseen), though his ex-wife Helen campaigned for his opponent. Mike responded by having the special effects people alter the video of the campaign ad so she was hit by a falling piano.

In the show's fourth season, Mayor Winston launched a bid for the United States Senate, running against the unseen Michael Laumann. By the start of Season 5, Winston seems to have abandoned his Senatorial campaign.

In the last season, Mayor Winston is re-elected for a third term. The series ended shortly afterwards.

The character was named after the show's Associate Producer. As with the character of President Bartlett on TV show The West Wing, the mayor was not intended to be a major character but became so popular he was given more screen time.