New Billboard in Times Square Urges New Yorkers to Move to Ohio

A new digital billboard in Times Square is encouraging residents of New York City to leave and relocate to Ohio, supporting Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign for Ohio governor. The ad, costing $50,000, is sponsored by the “Vivek Super PAC — Victors, not Victims,” which backs Ramaswamy’s bid for office in the Buckeye State.

The billboard promotes Ohio as an alternative to New York’s political climate, specifically highlighting the contrast between Ramaswamy, a 39-year-old businessman and GOP candidate, and Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old socialist who won last month’s Democratic primary for NYC mayor. Both politicians share Indian heritage but represent very different visions for America’s future.

Illustration of a political ad comparing Zohran Mamdani and Vivek Ramaswamy. — An ad urging New Yorkers worried about Mamdani to move to Ohio. *VPAC*

The billboard reads, “Worried About Zohran? Ohio Is Waiting For You!” and will remain in Times Square for a week. Andy Surabian, chief strategist for the PAC, explained the message is meant to showcase the stark differences between Mamdani’s socialist ideals and Ramaswamy’s stance on freedom and prosperity.

“For those who want a different future, freedom and opportunity are waiting in Ohio,” Surabian said.

Times Square billboard urging New Yorkers concerned about Zohran Mamdani to move to Ohio. — The ad will run for a week in Times Square. *VPAC*

Despite Ohio’s lower cost of living, it was only the 20th most popular state for New Yorkers to move to as of 2022 data. Ramaswamy has raised $17 million in support of his gubernatorial run and gained national prominence as a challenger in the 2024 presidential race. Polls show him as a leading contender within the GOP primary.