Thanks Mamdani!
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis didn’t hold back this week, taking direct aim at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and warning that big-city policies are continuing to push Americans out — and straight into states like Florida.
DeSantis Sounds Alarm on “Mass Exodus” From Blue Cities
Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference, DeSantis painted a stark picture of what he sees happening across major Democrat-run cities like New York, Chicago, and parts of California.
According to DeSantis, rising taxes, increased government spending, and anti-business policies are driving residents and job creators away at an accelerating pace.
“I don’t think it’s a good sign when people feel like they have to leave their city after one election,” DeSantis said, pointing to growing frustration among taxpayers and business owners.
Controversial Tax Push Sparks Backlash
At the center of the controversy is a proposal supported by New York Governor Kathy Hochul that would impose new taxes on high-value properties owned by non-residents.
Mayor Mamdani recently amplified the push with a viral social media post filmed outside a luxury Manhattan residence — a move critics say crossed a line by targeting individuals directly.
DeSantis argued that this type of messaging could have serious economic consequences.
“When you start singling people out personally, don’t be surprised if they decide to take their investments somewhere else,” he said.
Florida Benefiting From Business Migration
DeSantis pointed to billionaire investor Ken Griffin as a prime example of the broader trend.
Griffin’s hedge fund, Citadel, relocated its headquarters to Miami in 2022 — a move that brought jobs, economic growth, and major philanthropic contributions to Florida.
According to DeSantis, that kind of migration is no accident.
“We’ve seen it firsthand — people are voting with their feet,” he said.
A Growing Divide Between States
The Florida governor emphasized that policy differences between states are becoming more visible — and more consequential.
While some states pursue higher taxes and stricter regulations, others like Florida are positioning themselves as business-friendly alternatives.
That contrast, DeSantis argued, is reshaping where Americans choose to live, work, and invest.
2028 Presidential Run? DeSantis Leaves Door Open
When asked about a potential run for president in 2028, DeSantis didn’t rule it out.
“You never know,” he said. “There’s a lot of runway ahead.”
Florida’s “Success Story”
DeSantis also highlighted what he described as Florida’s strong performance during his time in office, including:
- Rapid economic growth
- Shifts in voter registration trends
- Expanded school choice policies
- Declining crime rates
“We’ve got a good story to tell,” he said. “And we’re proud of the leadership.”
Bottom Line
As political and economic divides between states continue to widen, leaders like Ron DeSantis argue that policy choices are having real-world consequences — not just in elections, but in where Americans choose to build their futures.