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Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, arguing that his policies could drive residents and businesses out of the city and toward states like Florida.
Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference, DeSantis described Mamdani as one of Florida’s “realtors of the year,” suggesting that policies in cities such as New York, Chicago and parts of California are prompting migration to the Sunshine State.
“I don’t think it’s good that, like, one guy gets elected mayor and then people feel like they have to flee the city,” DeSantis said.
“We’d have people come down to Florida all the time, and they responded to all those problems, not by correcting the problems, but electing somebody who was exacerbating the problems,” he added.
DeSantis pointed to tax policies and government spending in large cities as key concerns, and cited the relocation of Citadel, led by Ken Griffin, from Chicago to Miami in 2022 as an example of businesses moving to Florida.
“(Griffin) has brought jobs, business, all that tax base” to Florida, DeSantis said, adding that philanthropic contributions tied to such moves have also benefited the state.
He also criticized Mamdani over a recent social media video promoting a proposed tax on high-value secondary residences, backed by Kathy Hochul, calling the approach overly aggressive toward wealthy individuals.
DeSantis argued that policies targeting high earners can discourage investment and residency, adding that “people have voted with their feet” by relocating.
During the discussion, DeSantis also highlighted Florida’s economic growth and political shifts, noting gains in Republican voter registration and broader economic expansion.
Asked about a potential 2028 presidential run, DeSantis said he remains open to the possibility.
“Who knows? Like, you never know,” he said. “I’m in my mid-forties … I think that there’s a lot of runway.”