Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo suggested that if socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani prevails in the NYC mayoral race, he might “move to Florida.”
At a recent breakfast in the Hamptons, Cuomo, who is running as an independent in the mayoral contest, declared that it was “all or nothing” for the election. He made these comments at 75 Main in Southampton.
“It’s all or nothing,” Cuomo expressed. “We either win, or we’re relocating to Florida. God forbid!”
During the gathering, Cuomo criticized Mamdani’s proposal to freeze rent in stable apartments, labeling it a “death sentence” for the housing market.
He has been vocal about Mamdani’s rent freeze idea, calling it detrimental to housing stability.
Cuomo’s spokesman, Rich Azzopardi, told the media that the Florida comment was a joke, emphasizing that Cuomo would “never give up on New York.”
“Governor Cuomo never gave up on New York,” Azzopardi noted. “However, this comment underscores the significance of upcoming elections and the potential dangers of electing an inexperienced 33-year-old socialist with unrealistic ideas.”
In response on X, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis remarked, “Don’t make Florida New York!” following Cuomo’s statement.
Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary for mayor, has put forth a plan to establish a city-run grocery store, suggesting that funds currently going to corporate supermarkets could be redirected to these stores to lower prices.
“We will redirect funds from corporations that prioritize profits to city-owned grocery stores aimed at lowering prices,” Mamdani explained in a recent video. “These stores won’t operate with profit motives and won’t incur property taxes or rent, which will lead to savings for consumers.”
Earlier reports indicated that Mamdani faced backlash from domestic violence survivors and advocates for prior comments about sending police to domestic violence incidents.
Additionally, Mamdani has expressed support for the “abolition of private property.”
