Vivek PAC Times Square Ad Urges NYC Exodus to Ohio Over Socialist Policies

In a striking display of political strategy, a prominent digital billboard dominating New York City’s iconic Times Square is currently broadcasting a clear, provocative message: New Yorkers concerned about the political direction of their city should consider a move to Ohio. This high-profile campaign transcends traditional political advocacy, directly linking local governance to potential economic migration and reflecting broader anxieties among certain segments of the population regarding progressive policies.

• A digital billboard in Times Square urges New Yorkers to move to Ohio, citing political concerns.
• The campaign is funded by the Vivek Super PAC (VPAC), supporting Vivek Ramaswamy, at an approximate cost of $50,000.
• It explicitly contrasts New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s “radical socialist policies” with Vivek Ramaswamy’s “protecting freedom” vision for Ohio.
• Mamdani’s platform includes advocating for the “seizure of the means of production,” universal student debt cancellation, and city-owned grocery stores.
• The initiative targets residents seeking conservative governance, aligning with observed trends of wealth migration from high-tax progressive cities.

The Campaign’s Provocative Message

The initiative is funded by the Vivek Super PAC — Victors, not Victims (VPAC), an organization supporting Vivek Ramaswamy’s gubernatorial campaign in Ohio. VPAC’s chief strategist, Andy Surabian, confirmed the ad placement cost approximately $50,000. Surabian framed the campaign as a direct counter to the “radical socialist policies” championed by New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. The billboard explicitly juxtaposes the two politicians, urging a relocation from an environment under “Radical socialist Zohran Mamdani” to an Ohio under “Protecting freedom Vivek Ramaswamy,” thereby presenting a stark choice in political ideologies.

Contrasting Policy Frameworks

Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, has drawn significant scrutiny for his ambitious policy stances. His platform notably includes advocating for the “seizure of the means of production,” a foundational socialist tenet. Beyond this, Mamdani’s broader agenda supports initiatives such as universal student debt cancellation, Medicare for All, and the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. He has also proposed the establishment of city-owned grocery stores as a means to offer lower prices to New Yorkers, ideas that reflect a distinctly interventionist approach to urban economics and public services.

Targeting a Disenchanted Demographic

The campaign explicitly targets New Yorkers who are wary of such progressive economic shifts. Surabian has suggested these individuals seek a state poised to elect a “conservative trailblazer committed to liberty and prosperity.” This messaging aligns with observations of a growing exodus from high-tax, progressive cities. For instance, recent reports have indicated a significant 50% increase in real estate inquiries into Florida properties by wealthy New Yorkers following Mamdani’s primary win, suggesting a tangible desire among some residents to relocate to states perceived as more fiscally conservative. Despite their shared Indian descent, Ramaswamy and Mamdani are presented as representing fundamentally different trajectories for the nation’s future, epitomizing the ongoing national debate between market-oriented and socialist economic models.

Strategic Objectives and Duration

The billboard is slated to remain on display in Times Square for the duration of the week, continuing its highly visible promotion of Ohio as an attractive alternative to New York’s current political climate. VPAC’s stated objective is to highlight Ramaswamy’s vision for “unleashing freedom” and “supercharging the American dream” in Ohio, presenting a clear contrast to what they describe as job-killing socialist policies. This strategic placement in one of the world’s most prominent public spaces ensures maximum exposure for their message, aiming to influence the broader discourse on governance and economic policy.