At a sun-drenched Hamptons brunch attended by the who’s-who of people who definitely don’t grocery shop at government-run stores, former Governor Andrew Cuomo made a bold proclamation: if Zohran Mamdani becomes mayor of New York City, even he—yes, he—might pack up his Emmy (revoked) and head south to Florida.
“It’s all or nothing. We either win or even I will move to Florida. God forbid,” Cuomo declared between bites of artisanal avocado toast at 75 Main, a place where the only thing more abundant than political hot air is truffle oil.
The joke (we think?) landed like a crisp mimosa among political insiders. But behind the laughter, there was a whiff of something less festive: panic. Panic that a 33-year-old socialist might actually take over a city currently governed by a man whose greatest political achievement may be dancing in nightclubs while under investigation.
Florida: Where Fallen Politicians Bloom
Let’s be honest—Cuomo threatening to move to Florida is like a goose threatening to move to water. With fellow political retirees like Rudy Giuliani, Matt Gaetz, and a certain ex-president already soaking up the sun, Cuomo would fit right in. And let’s not forget: the Hamptons are basically Florida with better PR.
But Cuomo insists it’s not about him. No, it’s about saving New York from “the kid”—his affectionate nickname for Mamdani, the assemblyman whose campaign includes dangerously radical ideas like rent relief and public grocery stores. What’s next? Universal bread?
“His platform is just a bunch of unrealistic bumper sticker slogans,” Cuomo grumbled, before presumably being driven back to his second mansion in a hybrid SUV powered by denial and entitlement.
The Real Threat: Public Supermarkets
John Catsimatidis, billionaire brunch host and owner of Gristedes and D’Agostino, was naturally concerned. Mamdani’s plan to introduce government-run grocery stores could mean New Yorkers might someday buy eggs without funding a yacht. An unthinkable dystopia.
Among the guest list were power players like Ambassador George Tsunis and Cuomo consigliere Melissa DeRosa, all nodding in horror at the idea that New York might fall into the hands of someone under 40 who doesn’t own waterfront property.
Adams and Sliwa: The Other Characters in This Political Sitcom
Mayor Eric Adams, also running as an independent (because NYC apparently needs three egos fighting for one office), brushed off Cuomo’s jab that “we haven’t had a competent mayor since Bloomberg.” Adams fired back:
“If he’s serious about moving to Florida, he should go ahead. He’s already spent three weekends in the Hamptons.”
Touché, Mayor. And Curtis Sliwa? Still somewhere in the race, somewhere in a red beret, and probably on the subway.
Conclusion: Can’t Lose What You’ve Already Left
Cuomo’s threat to abandon ship raises an existential question: Can you leave a city you’ve already mentally checked out of? With one foot in Long Island, one eye on Florida, and one finger pointing at a younger generation, Cuomo may be physically here, but spiritually sipping a daiquiri in Delray Beach.
So will he really move? Probably not. After all, someone has to stick around and yell at Mamdani when he proposes free subway Wi-Fi.
In the end, whether Cuomo flees to Florida or just fumes from his cabana, one thing’s clear: the drama is just getting started. And New York? Well, it always survives its mayors—even the hypothetical ones.
