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FLORIDA - Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo joked that he would move to Florida if he does not win the New York City mayoral race.
The remark was made during a fundraiser in the Hamptons, where Cuomo spoke to a group of wealthy business donors.
Cuomo reportedly said, "It's all or nothing: We either win, or even I will move to Florida; God forbid," drawing laughs from the attendees.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis responded to Cuomo’s comment on social media, writing, "Don’t New York our Florida!"
DeSantis's reply was posted on X (formerly Twitter) after the remark gained attention.
Cuomo, who is running as an independent candidate in the mayoral race, used the fundraiser to criticize Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic socialist who defeated Cuomo in the recent primary.
Cuomo referred to Mamdani as a “kid” and a “socialist” and criticized his rent control policies, claiming it would harm New York City’s housing market.
Cuomo also took aim at incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, criticizing the current state of the city. He claimed that Michael Bloomberg,
New York’s former mayor, was the last "competent mayor" the city had.
In response, Mayor Adams stated that he would "never leave New York" and questioned Cuomo's commitment to the city, noting that Cuomo had already spent multiple weekends in the Hamptons.