NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Gov. Bill Lee has put out a call to business owners in New York following Zohran Mamdani’s election night victory to become New York City’s new mayor.
Lee’s call to action was simple: Tennessee is open for business for anyone who doesn’t like the direction NYC is headed.
The governor cited the Volunteer State’s strong economy, low taxes and a “government won’t get in your way.”
New: Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, elected New York City mayor
The governor said that Tennessee is open for business after New York City elected Zohran Mamdani as its next mayor.
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If you’re a New York business owner who doesn’t like the direction your city is headed, we have a message for you:
Tennessee is open for business.
Strong economy.
Low taxes.
Government won’t get in your way.
TN is the place for people who value opportunity, security & freedom. pic.twitter.com/3K1GSmm5Y2
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) November 5, 2025
Below is what Lee said in a video posted to social media:
Hey, everybody. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. In light of the recent election results, I thought it might be a good time to remind you that Tennessee is the best state in the country for doing business. If you are a New York City business owner and you don’t like the direction your city has headed, I have a message for you that Tennessee is open for business. We have one of the strongest economies in the country. We have one of the lowest tax bases in the country.
We have a workforce that is ready for any industry, a workforce that is ready to meet the needs of your company. And our Department of Economic and Community Development is ready to help you make a move right now.
In fact, Tennessee is one of the most moved to states for families, for people, for companies from around the globe, because we believe that opportunity and security and freedom are important for everyone.
We also believe in the power of law enforcement, by the way. And we understand that the men and women who keep our families, keep our communities safe, need to be supported, and we do so in our state.
I want you to know that if you’re looking for an opportunity, you found one in the state of Tennessee. We are here, our way of life, our music, our culture, our food, our hospitality, and our business friendly environment might just be right for you. We are open for business.
Tuesday night, Mamdani defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
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