POLL SHOCKER: Nearly a Million New Yorkers Say They’ll Flee the City if Mamdani Becomes Mayor — ‘Biggest Exodus in NYC History

As New York City stands on the brink of electing its first Muslim and openly socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani, a new poll has sounded alarm bells across the city and the nation. Nearly a million New Yorkers—an unprecedented number—say they’re ready to leave the Big Apple if Mamdani emerges victorious, potentially triggering the largest population exodus in U.S. history.

Poll Reveals Widespread Anxiety

According to a survey conducted by J.L. Partners and reported by the Daily Mail, around 765,000 of NYC’s 8.4 million residents say they would “definitely” leave the city if Mamdani is elected mayor. That figure rivals the entire populations of cities like Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, or Seattle.

The poll also found that another 25%—about 2.12 million New Yorkers—would “consider” leaving, citing concerns over Mamdani’s progressive agenda and leadership style. High earners are especially wary, with 7% of those making over $250,000 annually saying they would definitely pack up and go.

Who’s Most Likely to Leave?

Pollster James Johnson warned that if even a fraction of these residents follow through, the economic impact would be “seismic.” The survey revealed key demographic trends:

– Older New Yorkers (ages 50-64): 12% say they’re certain to leave; 33% are considering it.
– By Gender: 12% of men and 7% of women are sure to move, with roughly a quarter of each group considering it.
– By Race: 13% of white New Yorkers and 11% of Asian residents say they’d definitely leave.
– By Borough: Staten Island leads with 21% ready to leave and 54% considering it; Manhattan (6% and 20%), Brooklyn (8% and 18%).

Respondents used words like “disaster,” “hell,” and “sh–hole” to describe their expectations for Mamdani’s New York.

Economic and Social Implications

The threat of such a mass exodus comes with grave warnings for the city’s future. The departure of hundreds of thousands—especially high earners and older residents—could devastate NYC’s tax base, housing market, and local businesses. The Carolinas, Florida, and Tennessee have emerged as top destinations for prospective escapees, lured by lower taxes and property costs.

“If anywhere near that number actually left, the economic impact would be seismic,” Johnson said.

Record Voter Turnout

Amid the anxiety, New Yorkers are heading to the polls in record numbers. At least 1.9 million voters are expected to cast ballots in the mayoral race, the highest turnout since 1969. Early voting has already drawn over 735,000 participants.

The State of the Race

With just days to go, Mamdani holds a 6.6-point lead over former Governor Andrew Cuomo—his narrowest margin in months. The latest AtlasIntel poll puts Mamdani at 40.6%, Cuomo at 34%, and Republican Curtis Sliwa at 24.1%. However, the RealClearPolitics average still gives Mamdani a comfortable 14.5-point edge, keeping him firmly on track to become the city’s next mayor.

Conclusion

New York City is at a crossroads. The prospect of Zohran Mamdani’s historic victory has energized progressives but unsettled a significant portion of the population, with nearly a million residents contemplating an exit. Whether these threats materialize or remain political hyperbole, the stakes for the city’s future—economically, socially, and politically—have never been higher.

As New Yorkers prepare to make their choice, the world watches to see whether the city will embrace bold change—or face an exodus that could reshape its destiny.

The fate of New York hangs in the balance, and the next chapter will be written at the ballot box.