Governor Proposes 100% Tariff on New Yorkers Moving to His State

Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently announced a controversial proposal: a “100% tariff” on individuals moving to Texas from New York. The proclamation was made on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, the evening before Election Day.

Governor Abbott’s Bold Statement

In his tweet, Abbott, a Republican, directly linked his statement to the New York City mayoral election. The candidates in this election include Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. Abbott stated his intent to impose the tariff after the polls closed, although the logistics of such a measure remain ambiguous.

Concerns Over Migration from NYC

The context of Abbott’s tweet stems from concerns regarding potential migration of wealthy residents from New York City. A platform promoted by Mamdani advocates for increased taxes on affluent individuals, which many believe could drive them away from the city.

Survey Insights

• A survey by the Daily Mail estimated that around 765,000 residents might leave New York if Mamdani becomes mayor.
• The exact number of individuals choosing Texas as their destination remains unknown.

Responses from Other States

Reactions to Abbott’s announcement vary. Scott Singer, the Republican mayor of Boca Raton, Florida, expressed a welcoming attitude toward New Yorkers. He mentioned ongoing discussions with business leaders to prepare for a potential influx from NYC.

Political Context

This commentary from Abbott coincides with significant political endorsements. President Donald Trump endorsed Cuomo for mayor, emphasizing the necessity of voting for him despite any personal feelings. Trump cautioned that votes for Sliwa could inadvertently benefit Mamdani, whom he characterizes as a potential “Total Economic and Social Disaster” for the city.

Trump’s Warnings

Trump threatened to minimize federal funding contributions to New York City should Mamdani win, labeling him as a “Communist.” He claimed that under Mamdani’s leadership, the chance of success for NYC would diminish greatly.

As election day unfolds, the implications of these comments and the potential exodus from New York remain to be seen. Governor Abbott’s unconventional tariff proposal has sparked debate over state policies regarding incoming residents.