Texas Gov. Greg Abbott made a provocative remark during a recent appearance, joking about imposing a 100% tariff on individuals relocating to Texas from New York City following Tuesday’s election. The Republican leader’s comment targeted the possibility of New York City electing Zohran Mamdani, a self-described Democratic socialist, as mayor. Abbott likened incoming New Yorkers to imported goods, drawing parallels to former President Donald Trump’s trade policies and highlighting concerns over a potential influx of residents opposing Mamdani’s leadership.

Mamdani’s candidacy has ignited controversy, as he would become the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of the nation’s largest city if elected. His progressive social welfare proposals have drawn fierce criticism from conservative figures like Abbott. The mayoral hopeful, currently a New York State Assemblyman, secured the Democratic primary victory in July after a campaign marked by both political and personal scrutiny. Critics have lambasted his stance on law enforcement and his characterization of the Israel-Hamas conflict as a genocide, alongside his broad policy agenda encompassing free public transit, universal childcare, and affordable housing initiatives.

A recent survey conducted by J.L. Partners revealed significant unease among New Yorkers regarding Mamdani’s potential victory. Approximately 765,000 of the city’s 8.4 million residents—nearly 9%—stated they would “definitely” leave if he assumes office, with another 25% considering relocation. The exodus could rival the population of major U.S. cities like Washington, DC, Las Vegas, or Seattle. Pollster James Johnson warned that such a mass departure would have “seismic” economic consequences, noting that older residents, Staten Islanders, and white voters are most likely to abandon the city.

The findings underscore deepening divisions as Mamdani’s campaign gains momentum ahead of Tuesday’s election.