DeSantis trolls Mamdani over 'warmth of collectivism' line

His remark appeared to refer to the years-long trend of New Yorkers relocating to Florida in the wake of COVID-19.

Published: January 14, 2026 12:42pm

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, R, on Wednesday trolled New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over his promise to replace the "frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism."

Mamdani, an avowed socialist, has attracted national attention for his radical views and political success in a major American city. DeSantis, however, quipped that people had "voted with their feet" on this issue.

"We can confidently say Americans prefer the warmth of FLORIDA FREEDOM to the frigidity of New York collectivism!" he said. His remark appeared to refer to the years-long trend of New Yorkers relocating to Florida in the wake of COVID-19.

Mamdani won an upset victory in the Democratic primary over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., and went on to defeat him again in the general election. 

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.

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