Ron DeSantis brands NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani ‘realtor of the year’ for driving taxpayers to Florida

During the 2026 Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took aim at New York City’s socialist mayor Zohran Mamdani, mockingly calling him one of his “realtors of the year.” DeSantis criticized Mamdani’s policies, predicting that they would continue to drive taxpayers out of New York City and towards Florida.

DeSantis highlighted the issues of soaring taxes and excessive spending in big cities like New York, Chicago, and California, expressing his concerns about the impact on residents. He specifically mentioned Mamdani’s support for Governor Kathy Hochul’s pied-a-terre tax and criticized his tactics, including a controversial social media post targeting billionaire Ken Griffin.

The Florida governor praised Griffin for relocating his hedge fund Citadel to Miami, citing the positive impact on the local economy. DeSantis emphasized the importance of creating a business-friendly environment and attracting wealth creators to the state.

DeSantis condemned the increasing trend of progressive policies targeting wealth creators and emphasized the need for a more balanced approach to taxation and economic development. He hinted at a possible presidential run in 2028, highlighting his achievements in Florida’s economy, education system, and crime reduction.

Under DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has seen significant growth in its economy, a rise in voter registration for Republicans, and improvements in areas like school choice and crime rates. The governor expressed pride in his administration’s accomplishments and the positive impact on the state.