Ron DeSantis reacts after Andrew Cuomo jokes about moving to Florida if socialist Zohran Mamdani wins New York City’s mayoral election.

Cuomo’s Comments Spark Florida Debate

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a pointed response to former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, after Cuomo joked that he would move to Florida if he loses the New York City mayoral race to socialist nominee Zohran Mamdani. The lighthearted remark, delivered at a Hamptons fundraising breakfast with political insiders, quickly attracted attention on social media and among political commentators.

“Don’t New York our Florida!” DeSantis posted on X, referencing concerns about an influx of New Yorkers potentially altering the Sunshine State’s character and policies. DeSantis, a Republican, has previously predicted that property values in places like Palm Beach would surge if Mamdani wins, saying, “If this socialist mayor candidate wins in New York City, you’re going to see real estate values skyrocket in Palm Beach because people are going to get out of that city.”

Cuomo, who was defeated by Mamdani in the Democratic primary, is planning to run as an independent in the general election. The quip—“It’s all or nothing. We either win or even I will move to Florida. God forbid,”—was made at a breakfast hosted by businessman John Catsimatidis at 75 Main in Southampton. Attendees included prominent figures such as Ambassador George Tsunis and former top Cuomo aide Melissa DeRosa. Several in the room described the moment as a “wow,” reflecting both the levity and seriousness with which the city’s future is being discussed.

Political Stakes and Shifting Dynamics in NYC

Rich Azzopardi, Cuomo’s senior adviser, clarified to the New York Post that the former governor “would never give up on New York,” adding that the comment was meant to underscore the stakes and risk of electing “a dangerously inexperienced, hate-spewing 33-year-old socialist to lead the city.” The context is particularly significant given Mamdani’s proposals, such as government-run grocery stores, which could directly impact businesses like Catsimatidis’ supermarket chains.

The winner of New York City’s Democratic primary is generally seen as the heavy favorite in the general election, but this year’s race has proven competitive. Polls conducted in the city this month indicate Mamdani is the frontrunner, but his lead over Cuomo ranges from as much as 15 points to as few as three, suggesting the race remains very much in play. The contest has become a flashpoint for debates about political direction and economic prospects in both New York and Florida.

As the election approaches, Cuomo’s joke and DeSantis’s warning highlight the broader anxieties and partisan divisions shaping the national conversation on urban governance, migration, and the ideological direction of two of America’s most prominent states. The outcome in November will not only determine the next leader of New York City, but could also ripple through real estate markets and political landscapes far beyond.