Context:

A recent poll indicates that nearly 800,000 New Yorkers may leave the city if Democrat candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the upcoming mayoral election, reflecting significant concern over his proposed policies, including a rent freeze. The survey, conducted among 500 registered voters, shows that 9% would definitely depart, with an additional 25% considering leaving, which could dramatically affect the city's economy given that high earners contribute significantly to tax revenue. Notably, affluent residents are reportedly selling properties and withdrawing from home purchases in anticipation of Mamdani's potential victory. The poll highlights a trend of wealthier individuals favoring states with lower taxes, such as the Carolinas and Florida. As the election approaches, the implications of Mamdani's policies on New York's socio-economic landscape remain a critical concern.

Dive Deeper:

• The poll conducted by J.L. Partners for the Daily Mail from October 23 to 26 surveyed 500 registered voters with a margin of error of ±4.4 percentage points.

• The survey revealed that 7% of individuals earning over $250,000 would definitely leave New York if Mamdani wins, underscoring the potential loss of significant tax revenue.

• Among those considering leaving, the main destinations identified are states like the Carolinas, Florida, and Tennessee, which offer lower income and property taxes.

• Realtor Jay Batra noted that many wealthy New Yorkers are already selling their apartments and withdrawing from home purchases due to concerns about Mamdani's policy proposals.

• The demographic most likely to express intentions to leave includes older New Yorkers, Staten Islanders, and white voters, reflecting a specific voter anxiety around the election outcome.