Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently stirred controversy with a provocative statement regarding newcomers from New York as the city prepared for its mayoral election. On Monday, just before Election Day, Abbott took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to announce his intention to impose a “100% tariff” on anyone relocating to Texas from New York City, a remark that drew immediate attention and skepticism.
The statement was seemingly timed to coincide with the heated mayoral race involving Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. Abbott’s declaration raised questions about the feasibility and rationale behind such a tariff, particularly as it appeared to target individuals just seeking a new life in Texas.
Concerns have been mounting in New York regarding the potential ramifications of Mamdani’s progressive tax policies, which some fear could prompt affluent residents to flee the city. A survey from the Daily Mail earlier indicated that up to 765,000 New Yorkers might consider relocating if Mamdani were to take office, although it remains uncertain how many might choose Texas as their destination.
In contrast, Boca Raton’s Republican Mayor Scott Singer expressed a welcoming stance towards New Yorkers, revealing that preparations are already being made in anticipation of an influx. “I’ve been working with business leaders who are already trying to anticipate this move by planning for an exodus to Boca Raton. I’ve seen strong enthusiasm,” he stated.
Abbott’s comments followed a reluctant endorsement from former President Donald Trump for Cuomo, who is running as an independent candidate. Trump made headlines by urging voters to support Cuomo, noting that a vote for Sliwa could inadvertently assist Mamdani’s campaign. He further criticized Mamdani’s platform, predicting a “Total Economic and Social Disaster” for New York City should he win, and threatened to limit federal funds based on the election’s outcome.
The intriguing political landscape unfolding in New York highlights differing approaches towards economic policy and incoming residents, effectively illustrating the tensions between states with contrasting political ideologies. Abbott’s unusual threat may reflect broader concerns among conservatives about economic policies driving demographic shifts, but it also raises pivotal questions about the welcoming nature of states like Texas, known for their free-market policies.