Fact Check: Andrew Cuomo says he 'will move to Florida' if Zohran Mamdani becomes NYC mayor

Fact-Check: Andrew Cuomo's Statement on Moving to Florida if Zohran Mamdani Wins

What We Know

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo made a statement during a breakfast event in the Hamptons, saying, "It’s all or nothing. We either win or even I will move to Florida. God forbid!" if he loses the New York City mayoral race to socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani. This comment was made in front of business leaders and was met with laughter from the audience, indicating it was perceived as a humorous remark rather than a serious threat (New York Post, Fox News). Cuomo's campaign later clarified that he was joking, emphasizing that he would "never give up on New York" (Finance Monthly, i24 News).

Cuomo is currently running as an independent candidate after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani. He has been critical of Mamdani's policies, labeling them as unrealistic and dangerous for the city (Indian Express, Yahoo News).

Analysis

The claim that Cuomo said he would move to Florida if Mamdani wins is factually accurate; however, the context in which it was said is crucial. Cuomo's statement was made in a joking manner, as confirmed by multiple sources, including his campaign spokesperson, who stated that the audience understood it as a joke (Fox News, AMNY). The laughter from the crowd further supports this interpretation, suggesting that the comment was intended to be hyperbolic rather than a literal expression of intent.

The reliability of the sources reporting on this event is generally high, as they include established news organizations like the New York Post and Fox News, which have a track record of covering political events. However, it's important to note that these outlets may have varying editorial slants, which could affect the framing of the story. For instance, the New York Post has been known for its sensationalist headlines, which could influence how the statement is perceived by the public (i24 News).

While Cuomo's comment does reflect his strong opposition to Mamdani's candidacy, the insistence that he was joking diminishes the seriousness of the claim that he would actually relocate. Therefore, while the statement itself is true, the implications of it being a serious threat to leave New York are not supported by the context provided.

Conclusion

The claim that Andrew Cuomo stated he would "move to Florida" if Zohran Mamdani becomes mayor is Partially True. While he did make the statement, it was delivered in a joking manner, and his campaign has clarified that he does not intend to leave New York. The humor and context surrounding the comment are essential to understanding its true meaning, which leans more towards political rhetoric than a genuine threat.

Sources

1. Andrew Cuomo says he 'will move to Florida' if Zohran ...
2. Cuomo threatens to 'move to Florida' if Mamdani wins NYC ...
3. Andrew Cuomo Says He’ll Move to Florida If Zohran Mamdani ...
4. Andrew Cuomo jokes about moving to Florida if he loses ...
5. Andrew Cuomo says he 'will move to Florida' if Zohran ...
6. Former NY Governor Andrew Cuomo Says He ‘Will Move to Florida ...
7. NYC Mayor's Race: Cuomo threat to move to Florida 'a joke ...
8. Former NY Governor Andrew Cuomo Says He 'will Move ...