Billboard urges New Yorkers to flee if Zohran Mamdani wins the mayoral race

In New York City, a political action committee supporting Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has funded a billboard in Times Square that encourages residents to leave the city if Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is elected. The billboard, which cost approximately $50,000, labels Mamdani a "radical socialist" and presents Ohio as a better alternative. This advertisement was strategically placed to coincide with the upcoming mayoral election set for November 2025, following Mamdani's win of the Democratic nomination in June 2025. The PAC, named Victors, not Victims, believes that Mamdani's policies threaten public safety and economic stability in New York City, promoting Ramaswamy as a candidate committed to liberty and prosperity. The billboard’s messaging also reflects broader concerns, particularly among Jewish leaders, who warn of a potential exodus from New York City due to Mamdani's controversial stance on Israel and the rising antisemitism in the city. Jewish activists have cited increased hate crimes targeting Jewish individuals and communities in New York, particularly in the past year, raising alarms about the implications of a Mamdani victory. Mamdani has not responded to the criticisms publicly, allowing the billboard's message and the opinions of community leaders to dominate the conversation around his candidacy. Donald Trump Jr. added his voice to the conversation, predicting that wealthy taxpayers might flee to Florida if Mamdani wins. He characterized Mamdani's potential election as a frightening prospect for New York City. Trump's remarks echoed concerns raised by Ramaswamy's PAC, affirming that the implications of electing a socialist mayor could bring significant change to the city’s political and economic landscape. As election day approaches, the political tensions surrounding Mamdani's platform, which includes progressive taxation and public services, continue to heat up, drawing sharp lines in the electorate. In summary, the controversy around Zohran Mamdani’s candidacy is underpinned by contrasting ideological principles that have come to the forefront in New York’s political arena. While Mamdani represents a significant shift towards socialist policies, Ramaswamy and his supporters aim to rally those concerned about the future of New York City by promoting a narrative that positions Ohio as a refuge from socialist governance. With various stakeholders weighing in, the dynamics leading to the upcoming election reveal deep fissures in public opinion about governance and economic policy in one of the largest cities in the United States.