That quickly touched off Florida politicians, with Republicans going on the attack and Democrats weighing what Mamdani’s victory means.
“Florida got a big win last night,” U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Fla., posted on X. “With the NYC election, more cash is about to move to Florida from the newly socialized People’s Republic of New York City. Enjoy the bread lines, we’ll take your billionaires.”
State Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, a Spring Hill Republican and former chairman of the state GOP, advised people who might exit the Big Apple to “please leave your leftist ideas behind.”
But at least some Democrats countered the party should learn from Mamdani, who campaigned on issues such as rent stabilization, building affordable housing and having city-owned grocery stores.
State Rep. Anna Eskamani, who is running for Orlando mayor, called Mamdani’s campaign an “inspiring and instructive model for Democrats across the country — including here in Florida.”
“(Mamdani) talks about housing as a human right, taxing the billionaire class, ending corporate exploitation and addressing systemic injustice with moral clarity and policy fluency,” Eskamani said in a statement. “But just as importantly, he communicates those ideas in plain language, opening the door for more people to participate in the political process. He treats his constituents not as a means to win votes, but as partners in the fight for community change.”
Mamdani appealed to the party’s progressive wing, including people with college degrees, while Cuomo was backed by what is generally considered the party establishment.
“In Florida, where voters are constantly targeted by disinformation and distraction, we need more of that transparent, values-driven communication,” Eskamani said. “We need more leaders who listen before they speak — who don’t cancel or condescend, but engage sincerely with people across differences.”
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This article appears in Jun 25 – Jul 1, 2025.