Nearly 10 lakh New Yorkers may abandon the city if Mamdani wins, could trigger an unprecedented population flight: Reports

A stunning new survey indicates that close to a million New Yorkers might leave the city if socialist leader Zohran Mamdani becomes the next mayor  potentially creating the largest mass exit in modern US urban history, as per New York Post.

According to the polling by J L Partners, around 765,000 out of the city’s 8.4 million residents say they would definitely move out if Mamdani is elected as the 111th Mayor. 

On top of that, another 25%  roughly 2.12 million people  said they would consider relocating.

Pollster James Johnson warned that the economic fallout of such a departure would be massive, saying the impact could be shocking and nationwide if even a fraction of those threatening to quit NYC actually follow through.

Who is most likely to leave?

As per the poll, older residents, white voters and Staten Island residents were the most likely to say they’d leave.

About 12% of men say they will move for sure, compared to 7% of women.

Residents aged 50–64 expressed peak anxiety, with 12% certain and 33% considering moving.

Reportedly, 13% of white voters and 11% of Asian voters said they would definitely relocate.

Staten Island is leading the potential escape  21% say they’re already committed to leaving, and 54% are weighing it.

Meanwhile, the Carolinas, Tennessee and Florida reportedly rank as the most popular destinations due to lower tax burdens and cheaper property.

The upcoming election may also set turnout records  at least 1.9 million New Yorkers are expected to vote, which would exceed the 2001 mayoral election when Bloomberg triumphed over Mark Green  and could mark the highest NYC voter participation since 1969.