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New York City, NY - Florida Senator Rick Scott flew an aerial ad over New York City on Saturday, encouraging residents to relocate to Florida should Zohran Mamdani become mayor.
The banner, visible above Coney Island and Jones Beach, read: "Hate socialism? Us too! Move 2 FL."
Scott, who served as Florida’s governor from 2011 to 2019, issued a statement about the ad.
"While many New Yorkers are out enjoying the beach, we’re giving them a reminder that Florida is where you can escape socialism," Scott said, promoting Florida as a refuge from what he perceives as socialist policies.
Mamdani, who won New York City's Democratic mayoral primary in June, is seen as a leading contender for mayor. Scott criticized Mamdani’s progressive views, claiming that New York City has shifted away from its past as a symbol of the American Dream.
Scott argued that under Mamdani’s leadership, the city could become less favorable to capitalism and more aligned with socialist ideologies.
Scott also pointed to countries like Cuba and Venezuela as examples of socialist regimes, framing Florida as an alternative for families seeking to escape such systems.
He compared his time as Florida’s governor, where he focused on promoting jobs, education, and safety, to the direction he believes New York City is headed under current leadership.
Scott concluded by stating that New York families deserve better, implying that Florida offers a more favorable environment.