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In the wake of Zohran Mamdani’s victory in New York City’s mayoral race, New Hampshire has launched an aggressive campaign to lure disenchanted businesses and residents northward. A van plastered with digital billboards circulated through Midtown Manhattan last week, promoting the Granite State as an alternative to the incoming administration’s policies.
The mobile advertisements, funded by New Hampshire Republican Governor Kelly Ayotte’s campaign, featured messages targeting NYC business owners: “Mamdani got you down? Come on up to New Hampshire for no Communism, less red tape, and less taxes.” Other rotating messages encouraged New Yorkers to relocate to enjoy lower tax burdens and a more business-friendly environment.
“New Hampshire has a lot to offer anyone who is looking to leave NYC ahead of the Mamdani regime,” Ayotte told reporters. “We are the safest state in the nation, the best for economic opportunity, and we have some of the lowest taxes anywhere. Whether you own a business or just want to keep more of your hard-earned money — come on up to the Granite State. We’d love to have you!”
Mamdani, who won Tuesday’s election, is a self-described democratic socialist who has pledged to implement progressive policies including free public transportation and free childcare, funded through tax increases on wealthy residents and corporations. His policy platform has sparked concerns among business leaders and high-income earners about the city’s financial future.
The timing of New Hampshire’s campaign appears strategically positioned to capitalize on potential migration patterns that experts believe could materialize as Mamdani’s January 2026 inauguration approaches. This recruitment effort represents the latest chapter in an ongoing competition between states to attract businesses and taxpayers.
Real estate experts are already noting signs of a potential exodus. Isaac Toledano, CEO of Miami-based BH Group, reported that his company has closed more than $100 million in signed contracts from New York buyers in recent months – double the volume from the previous year. This suggests that some residents aren’t waiting to see how Mamdani’s policies will unfold.
“During COVID the first exodus was less about taxes, and more about access to schools and a more ‘normal’ way of life,” explained Mitch Roschelle, real estate expert and managing director at Madison Ventures. “Fast forward to the Mamdani era. The next exodus from NYC will be led by residents who are already paying their fair share and do not want to fund the bevy of social welfare programs that lay ahead.”
This potential migration builds upon an already established trend. According to the Office of the New York State Comptroller, NYC’s population declined by 5.3% between April 2020 and July 2022 – a loss equivalent to the entire population of Long Beach, California.
Roschelle believes the timeline for further departures will follow specific patterns: “The exodus may not be immediate, and I suspect it will be tied to the school year for families. The spring will be the big test of the prevailing group.” He added that any deterioration in public safety or implementation of major tax increases on high-income residents would “dramatically accelerate exits from NYC.”
The competition for New York’s businesses isn’t limited to New Hampshire. Florida has emerged as a major destination for relocating New Yorkers, with many citing its tax advantages and lifestyle benefits. Other northeastern states including Connecticut and New Jersey have also developed strategies to attract New York-based businesses and residents.
As Mamdani prepares to take office on January 1, 2026, both supporters and critics are watching closely to see how his ambitious policy agenda will translate into governance, and whether the predicted business exodus materializes or remains speculation. Meanwhile, neighboring states continue positioning themselves as viable alternatives for those considering a move.
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14 Comments
While I understand the concerns some have about the incoming Mamdani administration in NYC, I’m curious to see how New Hampshire’s recruitment efforts will play out. Offering a more favorable business climate is one thing, but there may be other factors that influence companies and individuals when deciding where to relocate.
New Hampshire will need to make a compelling case beyond just lower taxes and less regulation if they want to successfully lure a substantial number of businesses and residents from New York City.
It’s an interesting strategy by the New Hampshire governor to actively recruit businesses and residents fleeing the incoming Mamdani administration in NYC. While the Granite State’s lower taxes and more business-friendly environment may appeal to some, there are likely many other factors at play when it comes to relocation decisions.
The success of New Hampshire’s recruitment campaign will ultimately depend on how compelling the state can make its case beyond just economic considerations.
Interesting move by the New Hampshire governor. Attracting businesses and residents fleeing high taxes and red tape is a smart strategy. I wonder how effective this campaign will be in drawing companies and people to the Granite State.
New Hampshire does seem to offer a more business-friendly environment compared to NYC under the new Mamdani administration. Lower taxes and less regulation could be a big draw for some.
The New Hampshire governor’s recruitment efforts targeting disenchanted New Yorkers are understandable, given the expected policy changes under the Mamdani administration. However, it’s unclear if the state’s pitch of lower taxes and less red tape will be enough to drive a substantial exodus from the Big Apple.
New Hampshire will need to emphasize more than just its economic advantages if it hopes to convince a significant number of businesses and residents to make the move from New York City.
The New Hampshire governor’s effort to lure businesses and residents from New York City ahead of the Mamdani administration’s policies is a bold move. However, it remains to be seen whether the state’s touted advantages will be enough to drive a significant exodus from the Big Apple in the near term.
New Hampshire will need to demonstrate a comprehensive value proposition if it hopes to attract a substantial number of companies and individuals seeking to leave New York City.
The Mamdani administration’s policies in NYC appear to be pushing some businesses and residents to consider relocating. New Hampshire’s recruitment campaign highlights the state’s economic advantages, which could be appealing for those seeking to avoid the ‘Mamdani regime’.
It will be interesting to see if this campaign actually results in a significant influx of businesses and residents from New York to New Hampshire in the coming months.
The New Hampshire governor’s campaign to attract businesses and residents fleeing the Mamdani administration in NYC is an aggressive move. It remains to be seen whether the state’s touted advantages will be enough to sway a meaningful number of people to make the move north.
While the Granite State may offer a more favorable business climate, there are likely many other factors that companies and individuals will weigh when deciding whether to relocate from New York City.