Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo made a lighthearted remark on Saturday, suggesting he would relocate to Florida if Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani wins the New York City mayoral race. Cuomo, who lost to Mamdani in the Democratic primary, is now running as an independent in the upcoming general election.

The comment was made during a breakfast event in the Hamptons, hosted by businessman John Catsimatidis. Attendees reported that Cuomo's statement drew laughter, but it also underscored concerns about the city's political future. "It’s all or nothing. We either win or even I will move to Florida. God forbid!" Cuomo said, according to those present.

The gathering included notable figures such as RXR Realty Chairman Bruce Mosler and former Cuomo aide Melissa DeRosa. One attendee described Cuomo's comment as a "wow" moment that captured the room's attention.

Cuomo's senior adviser, Rich Azzopardi, later clarified that the governor was joking. "Governor Cuomo would never give up on New York," Azzopardi stated. He emphasized that the comment highlighted the stakes of the election and the potential risks of electing Mamdani, whom he described as a "dangerously inexperienced, hate-spewing 33-year-old socialist."

Throughout the event, Cuomo referred to Mamdani as "the kid" and criticized his proposals, particularly a rent freeze initiative, calling it a "death sentence" for landlords and the housing market. Mamdani's campaign did not respond to requests for comment.

Cuomo also directed criticism at current Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent. He claimed that New York City has not had a competent mayor since Michael Bloomberg left office in 2013. Cuomo accused Adams of being distracted by ongoing investigations and ethical concerns.

In response to Cuomo's comments, Adams remarked, "If he’s serious about moving to Florida, he should go ahead. He’s already spent three weekends in the Hamptons."

The mayoral race, which also includes Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, is shaping up to be one of the most unconventional contests in recent memory.