To finance them, the candidate proposes increasing taxes on those earning more than $1 million and raising the corporate tax rate from 7.25% to 11.5%. Analysts warn that this scheme could trigger a massive flight of capital and companies to states with more competitive tax policies, such as Texas or Florida.
Former governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, was blunt: "Mamdani's policies would exacerbate the flight of high-income New Yorkers. We have to stop the exodus before it's too late."
An exclusive survey by JL Partners, published by Daily Mail, set off alarms in New York City: 9% of residents—about 765,000—say they would "definitely" leave if the communist jihadist Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor, and an additional 25% are considering it. In total, more than 2.8 million people could leave the city, creating a historic exodus that would jeopardize the economic stability of the most important metropolis in the United States.
The report speaks directly of a possible "demographic annihilation" and warns that the fiscal impact would be devastating, with consequences that would extend throughout the country. The loss of high-income taxpayers would drastically reduce local revenue, affecting the government's ability to sustain public programs.
High-income business owners and families are already preparing to leave
The study shows that 7% of those earning more than $250,000 a year have already decided to leave if Mamdani wins. That segment represents just 1% of the population, but contributes nearly half of the city's income tax revenue. Their departure would create a budget hole that would be difficult to fill.
Real estate agent Jay Batra confirmed that the luxury market has started to move: "In recent weeks, buyers of properties between three and five million dollars have canceled their transactions. They don't want to hear about rent freezes or higher taxes," he said.
Éxodo: casi un millón de neoyorquinos planean irse de la ciudad si gana el socialista Zohran Mamdani
The most popular destinations would be southern states—Florida and the Carolinas—where the tax burden is much lower. Boca Raton's Republican mayor, Scott Singer, said they are already receiving inquiries from business owners looking to relocate: "There is enthusiasm about coming to a safer environment with lower taxes."
High-risk policies: more public spending and record tax pressure
Mamdani's platform proposes a sharp socialist turn: freezing rents, eliminating urban transport fares, opening municipal supermarkets, and offering free daycare. The estimated cost of these measures exceeds $8 billion a year.
Insecurity and antisemitism: other fears among the electorate
In addition to the economic impact, 47% of respondents foresee an increase in insecurity, and 45% fear a rise in antisemitic incidents under a Mamdani administration. Only 39% believe that housing could become more affordable.
Éxodo: casi un millón de neoyorquinos planean irse de la ciudad si gana el socialista Zohran Mamdani
33% believe that crime will increase, 29% expect a decline in business activity, and 25% fear a greater risk of terrorism. The data reflect a deeply polarized electorate, with a socialist vote that excites a militant minority but frightens much of the middle and upper class.
A polarized electoral scenario with unpredictable consequences
With less than a week before the elections, Mamdani leads the polls with 45% of voting intention, followed by Andrew Cuomo (31%) and Curtis Sliwa (22%), the Republican candidate. However, the climate of uncertainty is growing: only 59% of voters say they will stay in the city if Mamdani takes office.
The comparison with the crises of the 1970s and 1980s—when New York faced a wave of crime and fiscal bankruptcies—has resurfaced strongly. "Many have forgotten those lessons," Singer warned. Meanwhile, high-net-worth business owners and residents are already planning to move before November.
