Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently commented on the election of Zohran Mamdani, a self-identified democratic socialist, as New York City’s next mayor. DeSantis argued that New York voters have made a grave mistake, alleging that the far left has already caused significant declines in both New York City and nearby New Jersey. He referenced a Fox News report suggesting that at least 9% of New Yorkers are considering leaving the city under Mamdani’s leadership. Hannity, the Fox News host, expressed his personal hope that Mamdani does not win, citing concerns for friends who remain in the city amid what he believes is its political downfall.
DeSantis stood firm on his commitment to welcome any New Yorkers looking to escape what he views as an increasingly extremist political environment. He described Mamdani as someone who wants to “take down the Columbus statue” and made a bold claim: “If they take that from Manhattan, we will take it in Florida.” He humorously suggested that if the Statue of Liberty were to leave NYC, Florida would be ready to accommodate the iconic monument at Lake Okeechobee.
The governor didn’t hold back in his characterization of Mamdani’s policies. He described Mamdani’s approach to economics as embracing “Marxist economics” and portrayed his proposals for government-run grocery stores as naive. “The only people that would think that would work are people who have never studied a lick of history,” DeSantis said, highlighting his concern over Mamdani’s potential impact on the city’s economy and public safety.
Critics rallied around DeSantis’s assessment, noting the troubling timing of Mamdani’s ascendance, coinciding with the upcoming 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Representative Andy Ogles of Tennessee remarked on social media with a clip of a plane striking the World Trade Center, urging New Yorkers to “Wake up.” DeSantis emphasized that Mamdani has shown a lack of proper sympathy for those affected by past tragedies, and he criticized the candidate’s apparent disdain for the NYPD, which he claims will only exacerbate issues surrounding public safety.
Moving beyond Mamdani’s win, DeSantis framed the situation as part of a broader trend, noting that many people have relocated from New York and New Jersey, seeking a less progressive lifestyle in Florida. He pointed out that the Republican voter base in Florida has grown significantly since he took office, going from 300,000 more registered Democrats to a whopping 1.4 million more Republicans.
The discussions around Mamdani’s election were interspersed with comments on other electoral results, such as the recent victory of Jay Jones in Virginia over a Republican incumbent. DeSantis interpreted that win as indicative of Virginia trending leftward, echoing concerns about the political climate in historically blue states.
In response to questions regarding where refugees from New York City might be housed should Mamdani take office, DeSantis quipped lightheartedly that they could be sent to “Southern Connecticut.” This satirical remark exemplified his ongoing critique of northeastern political trends.
Florida’s leadership has voiced a desire to maintain a distinct separation from northern ideologies. Lt. Governor Jay Collins expressed sadness over the political situation in the northeast but warned potential transplants, saying, “Don’t take your doctrine and your indoctrination and bring it down here.” He underscored the importance of preserving Florida’s values of freedom and liberty, emphasizing that newcomers must adapt to these principles.
Overall, DeSantis and his allies are framing Mamdani’s victory as a significant rallying point for conservatives. His administration is prepared to take advantage of any fallout that may arise from a policy shift in New York City, while simultaneously encouraging disaffected residents to consider Florida as a more favorable alternative.
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