Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers say they are ready to leave the city if socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani wins Tuesday’s mayoral election.
Some 765,000 residents — roughly 9% of New Yorkers — said they would “definitely” leave if Mamdani becomes the city’s 111th mayor, according to a new survey by JL Partners, cited by the Daily Mail.
Another 25%, or about 2.12 million people, said they would “consider” relocating in response to Mamdani’s victory.
The survey notes deep concern over Mamdani’s candidacy
The poll underscores widespread concern about the 34-year-old Queens assemblyman’s socialist platform, which many residents fear could disrupt the city’s economy and business environment.
“New Yorkers are sending a clear message — they are deeply concerned about what a Mamdani administration could mean for their jobs, their taxes and their quality of life,” a JL Partners spokesperson told reporters.
High earners and older voters are the most likely to flee
Among high-income earners, 7% of those making more than $250,000 a year said they would “definitely” leave the city if Mamdani won, reflecting growing concerns in New York’s financial and corporate sectors.
The survey also found that voters aged 50 to 64 were the most likely to pack up, with 12% saying they would definitely move and 33% considering it.
Distribution by gender and race
The survey revealed significant demographic differences in response to a hypothetical Mamdani victory:
Men: 12% said they would definitely leave, compared to 7% of women.
White residents: 13% said they would move.
Asian residents: 11% said they would move.
Staten Island is leading the exodus
Geographically, Staten Islanders showed the greatest intent to leave, with 21% saying they would definitely go and another 54% considering it.
Manhattan: 6% would flee, 20% undecided.
Brooklyn: 8% would run, 18% undecided.
