A sheriff from Florida is encouraging residents of New York City, along with NYPD officers disillusioned by the outcome of Tuesday’s mayoral race, to consider making a move to the Sunshine State.
“To all New Yorkers seeking an enhanced quality of life—from better education and outdoor experiences to our lovely weather—take a look at Volusia County. We’re welcoming newcomers. This election doesn’t signify an end; it could be the start of a fresh chapter,” Sheriff Mike Chitwood shared on Facebook.
Chitwood extended an invitation to NYPD officers and entrepreneurs in search of a “secure, thriving community” to think about relocating to Volusia County, situated just 30 minutes from Daytona Beach. He highlighted it as an area where law enforcement is “valued by the community,” “backed by local officials,” and an “excellent place” for family life.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood’s invitation to New Yorkers followed the election of Zohran Mamdani as the new mayor. (Thomas Simonetti for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Zohran Mamdani emerged victorious as New York City’s 111th mayor, surpassing former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in what was one of Tuesday’s most high-profile elections. At 34, Mamdani is among the youngest to govern the city and its first Muslim mayor.
“New York, tonight you have spoken. You’ve mandated change. A new political approach. A city we can afford. And a government that will deliver on these promises,” Mamdani declared during his victory address on election night.
“To every New Yorker — whether you voted for me, for one of my opponents, or felt too disappointed by politics to vote at all — thank you for the opportunity to prove myself worthy of your trust. I will wake each morning with a singular purpose: to make this city better for you than it was the day before.”
Zohran Mamdani delivers a victory speech at a mayoral election night watch party, on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in New York City. (Yuki Iwamura/AP)
President Donald Trump warned Wednesday during a speech at the America Business Forum that New Yorkers could flee to Florida following Mamdani’s win. He claimed Miami could turn into a “refuge for those fleeing communism in New York City.”
Trump has knocked Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, for being a “communist.” On Election Day, the president threatened to contribute the “very minimum” in federal funds to New York City if Mamdani were elected.
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
“It can only get worse with a Communist at the helm, and I don’t want to send, as President, good money after bad,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social.
Still, Trump said after Mamdani’s victory that he wants the city to do well, and that he would “help them a little bit.”
