Fox News host Sean Hannity is sounding the alarm over what he calls the potential collapse of New York City if Democrat Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor this November. During a recent appearance on Fox & Friends, hosted by his fiancée Ainsley Earhardt, Hannity claimed Mamdani’s progressive policies could drive residents and businesses out of the state in droves, fueling what he dubbed a “mass exodus” to Florida.
Hannity, 63, who moved to Florida himself in January, didn’t hold back during his segment. He said New York’s high taxes and strict regulations—conditions he claims Mamdani would intensify—are already pushing companies southward, particularly to Florida, where he now broadcasts his show.
“If they want Mamdani to be mayor, I invite everyone at Fox to join me and broadcast from the free state of Florida,” Hannity said. “There’s going to be a mass exodus like we’ve never seen before.”
Mamdani, 33, a rising figure in the Democratic party and winner of the June mayoral primary, has become known for his left-leaning, socialist-aligned policies. Hannity lumped him in with other progressive lawmakers such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, criticizing their influence on the Democratic Party’s direction. He cited a recent Quinnipiac poll showing a 72% disapproval rating for congressional Democrats, while Republicans fared only slightly better at 62%.
Hannity also pointed to Florida’s growing financial influence, calling attention to the migration of financial firms to what some now call “Wall Street South.” “These companies aren’t just opening satellite offices,” he said. “Half of their operations are down here now.”
As the general election nears, Hannity threw support behind Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, saying there’s still a viable path for him—especially with multiple left-leaning candidates in the race, including Andrew Cuomo, Eric Adams, and Jim Walden. “If the left stays divided, there’s an outside chance for Curtis,” Hannity said, calling the Guardian Angels founder a “Giuliani 2.0” and “Mr. New York.”
Despite Hannity’s dire predictions, not everyone agrees. Real estate experts say it’s premature to forecast an economic exodus. Luxury broker Donna Olshan told Realtor.com that while some clients have expressed concern, most high-net-worth residents are unlikely to leave New York just because of a new mayor.
“It’s too early to say what this means for the luxury market,” Olshan said. “People aren’t going to uproot their lives over politics alone.”
Still, Mamdani’s presence is already making waves. According to Olshan, one buyer recently submitted a low offer on a property she was representing, jokingly seeking a “Mamdani discount.”
“They’re clearly not leaving New York,” Olshan said. “They just want a deal.”
