Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took aim at New York City’s political leadership this week, using a mix of criticism and sarcasm to argue that policies in major Democratic-led cities are pushing residents to relocate—often to Florida.
Speaking during a fireside chat at the Milken Institute Global Conference, DeSantis singled out New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, jokingly calling him one of Florida’s “realtors of the year.” The remark was meant to underscore his broader point: that high taxes, increased spending, and progressive policies in cities like New York and Chicago are driving people and businesses elsewhere.
DeSantis framed the issue as a pattern he’s seen play out repeatedly. Rather than addressing concerns about affordability or economic pressure, he said, voters in those cities are electing leaders whose policies may intensify the very problems residents are trying to escape.
He pointed to hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin as a high-profile example. Griffin’s firm, Citadel, moved its headquarters from Chicago to Miami in 2022, bringing jobs and investment with it. DeSantis argued that Florida has benefited not just from the business relocation, but also from Griffin’s philanthropic contributions, which he said total hundreds of millions of dollars.
The governor also criticized Mamdani over a recent social media video filmed outside Griffin’s New York residence. The video promoted a proposed tax on high-value second homes owned by non-residents. DeSantis suggested that targeting individuals in that way could discourage wealthy residents and investors from staying in or moving to the city.
More broadly, DeSantis tied the issue to what he described as a growing hostility toward wealth creation in some parts of the country. He argued that rhetoric and policies aimed at high earners risk pushing them—and their economic contributions—out of those areas.
That dynamic, he said, has worked to Florida’s advantage. He noted that population shifts in recent years have favored the state, with people “voting with their feet” by relocating from higher-tax states.
DeSantis also used the moment to highlight Florida’s economic growth during his time in office. He said the state’s economy has expanded significantly, growing from about $1 trillion to $1.8 trillion. He also pointed to a shift in voter registration, noting that Republicans now outnumber Democrats in Florida after previously trailing.
On policy, he cited lower crime rates and expanded school choice as additional indicators of what he views as successful governance in the state.
Looking ahead, DeSantis didn’t rule out another presidential run in 2028, though he stopped short of making any commitments. For now, his comments suggest he plans to remain an active voice in national political debates—especially when it comes to contrasting Florida’s approach with that of other states.
