NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — When self-described Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani becomes mayor of America’s largest city, that message doesn’t stop at state lines. It’s being felt all the way in Tennessee.

Gov. Bill Lee released a new video aimed at New York City business owners, urging them to consider moving to the south and saying Tennessee is open for business.

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.

“I want you to know that if you’re looking for an opportunity, you have 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.”

Tennessee is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, and with each move, the question grows louder: Are people changing their address or ideals?

“You know anything that brings economy, money, income to the city… I’m not mad about it,” Murfreesboro resident Brandon McBride said.

Another Murfreesboro resident, Leonardo Zecevic, told NewsNation affiliate WKRN:

“I feel that having a lot of New Yorkers coming into Tennessee and especially Murfreesboro, can be very problematic because we already have a lot of Californians coming in year-round, and it’s causing our traffic and way of life to be affected consistently, but I do see how they want to come over here and live. It’s very beautiful and a good place to live.”

Political advisors who worked on Republican Curtis Sliwa’s mayoral campaign said Mamdani’s win may quicken that exodus, a migration born out of frustration as much as hope.

“We are going to see people who are going to go to states like Tennessee that have a much more pro-affordability path, a much more practical affordability path for companies and businesses to grow,” Ashwin Prabaharan told WKRN.

The skyline rises with every crane, proof that growth brings promise and pressure because every new person who moves here brings something more than boxes; they bring ideas.