A striking spectacle unfolded in Midtown Manhattan last week: a van emblazoned with rotating digital billboards circling the city. This wasn't a typical advertisement, but a direct response to the recent, and surprisingly decisive, election of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s mayor.
The mobile campaign originated from New Hampshire’s Republican Governor Kelly Ayotte, whose team deployed the van with a pointed message aimed at New York business owners. Billboards flashed slogans like, “Mamdani got you down? Come on up to New Hampshire for no Communism, less red tape, and less taxes,” actively courting a northward migration.
Governor Ayotte directly addressed New Yorkers, framing New Hampshire as a haven. She touted the state’s safety, economic opportunities, and low tax rates, extending an open invitation to those seeking an alternative to the newly elected administration’s policies. The message was clear: New Hampshire offered a refuge from what was portrayed as an impending shift in New York City.
Mamdani’s victory was built on a platform that included raising taxes to fund ambitious social programs – free buses and universal childcare being central to his vision. This commitment to socialist policies has already sparked concern, with some fearing a decline in the city’s appeal and a potential wave of departures.
The van’s digital displays didn’t just offer escape; they offered assistance. One slide promised to “help your business make the switch,” emphasizing the financial benefits of relocating to New Hampshire and retaining a larger share of earnings. It was a calculated appeal to economic self-interest.
Real estate developers are already reporting a surge in interest from New York buyers. Isaac Toledano, CEO of Miami-based BH Group, revealed his company has secured over $100 million in contracts from New Yorkers in recent months – double the amount from the previous year. The numbers suggest a tangible response to the changing political landscape.
Experts note a shift in the motivations driving this exodus. While the initial wave during the COVID-19 pandemic was largely fueled by concerns about schools and lifestyle, the current trend is increasingly driven by tax implications. The prospect of funding extensive social welfare programs is proving a significant deterrent for some.
The population of New York City has already been in decline. Data from the Office of the New York State Comptroller shows a 5.3% decrease between April 2020 and July 2022 – a loss exceeding the entire population of Long Beach, California. This pre-existing trend is now poised to accelerate, according to analysts.
Real estate expert Mitch Roschelle predicts the spring will be a critical period, coinciding with school year considerations for families. He believes any further deterioration in public safety or a substantial tax increase targeting high earners will dramatically hasten the outflow of residents from New York City.
The full impact of Mamdani’s policies remains to be seen, but the immediate reaction – a mobile billboard campaign and a surge in out-of-state property inquiries – paints a picture of a city bracing for change. Mamdani is scheduled to be sworn into office on January 1, 2026, marking the beginning of a new era for New York City.
