Supermarket Billionaire Threatens Workforce Cuts and Florida Relocation After Mamdani's Victory
John Catsimatidis, the billionaire owner of a national supermarket chain and a candidate for New York City mayor, said in a press briefing on Monday that he would consider reducing his company’s workforce and moving the corporate headquarters to Florida if the recent election of city council member Maya Mamdani proves decisive for his campaign. The comments were made from his Manhattan office and were captured in a photograph supplied by a local news agency.
Catsimatidis entered the mayoral race earlier this year, positioning himself as a business‑oriented alternative to the incumbent administration. His platform emphasizes tax relief for small businesses, public safety enhancements, and streamlined permitting processes. The unexpected win by Mamdani in a recent borough-wide primary has shifted the political calculus, prompting the billionaire to warn of potential economic repercussions for the city’s retail sector.
Industry analysts note that Catsimatidis’ threat to cut jobs, though vague in specifics, could affect hundreds of employees across his chain’s New York operations. Labor unions have responded cautiously, stating that any workforce reductions would be subject to existing labor agreements and state regulations. City officials, meanwhile, have emphasized that a single private employer’s relocation would not significantly alter the city’s overall employment figures, but they acknowledge the broader symbolic impact of such a move.
The potential relocation to Florida reflects a broader trend among some high‑net‑worth individuals who cite lower taxes and a more favorable regulatory environment as motivations for moving their businesses. Economic experts caution that while the move could reduce Catsimatidis’ tax contributions to New York, it might also generate new tax revenue for Florida and shift some commercial activity away from the city.
As the mayoral race approaches its final months, observers expect both candidates to intensify their outreach to business leaders and community groups. Catsimatidis’ statements are likely to be scrutinized for their practical implications, and the outcome of the election will determine whether his threats remain rhetorical or translate into concrete corporate decisions.
