Former Chicago news anchor and current Florida’s Voice News Director Anita Padilla joined Chicago’s Morning Answer with Amy Jacobson and Jim Iuorio to break down the political aftershocks from New York City’s recent Democratic mayoral primary—where self-described socialist Zoran Mamdani secured a high-profile win.
Padilla, now based in Florida, said the victory shocked many, especially given New York’s ongoing challenges with crime and cost of living. “It just goes to show who’s not voting,” Padilla said, pointing to the influence of progressive youth and university activism in big cities. She described the platform as “radical,” citing proposals like defunding the police, rent freezes, free transit, and a $30 minimum wage. “Why not make it $100?” she joked.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis responded to the primary by predicting a new wave of migration from New York to Florida, particularly to areas like Palm Beach. Padilla noted that DeSantis even suggested increasing a $5,000 relocation bonus for law enforcement officers moving from blue states to Florida, anticipating that NYPD officers may soon be looking for the exit.
Meanwhile, Florida politicians are already using the NYC election as a campaign wedge. State CFO Jimmy Patronis welcomed disillusioned New Yorkers with some Southern flair, warning them to leave their politics behind: “Don’t roll in with your Big Apple politics trying to tax our sunshine or ban our sweet tea.”
On the state level, Padilla discussed the early maneuvering in Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race. Byron Donalds, backed by Donald Trump, is a leading Republican contender. Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis is also rumored to be in the mix, with some polls suggesting she holds a slight edge over Donalds. Padilla noted the silence from many in the state legislature, likely cautious not to anger either the former president or the current governor.
As for future presidential contenders, Padilla named Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance as potential 2028 GOP candidates, but was unsure whether Ron DeSantis still had national momentum after his failed 2024 bid. “That ship may have sailed,” she said, though she still praised his leadership and policy accomplishments.
In a lighter segment, Padilla confirmed reports of a new “Alligator Alcatraz” detention facility being planned deep in the Florida Everglades. The 5,000-bed facility—surrounded by swampland, snakes, and, yes, gators—will be used to house individuals pending deportation. Officials joke that escape attempts would be met with “good luck.”
Padilla, who now oversees editorial direction at Florida’s Voice, said she juggles everything from reporting and editing to managing assignments. “I do it all here,” she said, laughing off the workload. “But it’s fun—and I’m in free Florida.”