During a forum hosted by Politico, Hochul, who is seeking reelection this year, stated, “Maybe the first step should be to go down to Palm Beach and see who we can bring back home because our tax base has been eroded.”

In response, Blakeman issued a statement saying, “Kathy Hochul finally discovered what New Yorkers already know. When you raise taxes, drive up the cost of living, make it harder to do business, and try to destroy families’ savings, people leave.” He characterized her remark as “the most honest moment of her administration.”

Blakeman continued his critique by saying, “Palm Beach is lovely this time of year, but I’m not sure former New Yorkers will be eager to trade sunshine, no state income tax, and sanity for the highest taxes in the nation under Kathy Hochul.” He concluded, “That’s a tough sell.”

“That’s a tough sell,” he added.