By Suzanne Downing 
Back in July, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy saw the writing on the wall.
As New York’s Democratic primary made headlines for its socialist twist, Dunleavy issued an open invitation to the people who actually keep the lights on – the business owners, innovators, and wealth creators of New York City. In an op-ed for the New York Daily News, he welcomed them north.
Now, with Zohran Mamdani officially elected as New York City’s next mayor, that invitation looks a lot less like political theater and a lot more like prophecy.
Dunleavy’s pitch was simple: If you’re tired of being punished for success, come to a place that still celebrates it. Alaska doesn’t tax your income, doesn’t micromanage your business, and doesn’t apologize for wanting prosperity.
He described two Americas: one driven by coastal elites bent on social engineering, and another, rooted in hard work and independence, that still believes in the American Dream. Alaska, he said, is firmly in the latter camp.
At the time, Dunleavy playfully warned that Mamdani’s policies, wealth redistribution, rent controls, and anti-business posturing, would drive out the very people who make New York thrive. He wasn’t wrong. Mamdani’s election this week seals that direction.
So here we are: America’s financial capital has just elected a democratic socialist whose ideas include “free” public transit funded by taxing billionaires, and cutting the NYPD budget in favor of “social equity.” It’s a vision tailor-made to accelerate the city’s ongoing exodus of entrepreneurs and investors.
Meanwhile, Alaska’s doors are wide open.
Dunleavy’s summer invitation still stands:
“Go North. Bring your dreams, your hustle, and your vision to Alaska. We’ll welcome you with open arms and the wide-open spaces of the Last Frontier.”
Sure, you won’t find a Bergdorf Goodman boutique in Anchorage or a Michelin star in Nome. But what you will find is freedom – to work, to build, and to keep what you earn.
The red carpet is frosted, maybe even snow-covered, but it’s real.
So to every New Yorker who’s now staring down four years of socialist experiment – remember what Gov. Dunleavy said. The last frontier isn’t just a place on a map. It’s a state of mind.
Yes, New Yorkers would surely LOVE our socialist constitution and the “owner state” concept, as well as our abortion-on-demand tradition. It is the “Noo Yawkers” Green Fantasies that have helped to lock up Alaska, which Trump and Nick Begich are still trying to bore through the layers of bureaucratic tissue. Did Dunleavy extol how he initiated carbon sequestration policies when he pitched Alaska to the Big Applers? New Hampshire turned purple by the flight of liberals who left Boston, but brought their socialist baggage with them. Great idea, Mr. Gov, and fits right in with your capitulation to the judiciary.
Just don’t let them vote for ten years
Do not encourage anyone from a blue state to move here.
There are good ones (hah I was one, as I pat myself on the back which never makes Jesus happy) but they are rare.
Yeah, I’ll be glad to pat you on the back. I came from Illinois & Minnesota 50 years ago, and wanted to get O-U-T. The late Lynette Clark said, “When you move to Alaska, bring your luggage, but kindly leave your BAGGAGE behind.”
Hopeful thinking Mister Governor Dunleavy. However, Alaska is split between social environmental activists and business
How scattered brained is the Alaska Republican Party leadership, staff, and district presidents there is no encouragement it has the nail and hammer power to fight against socialism and communism that’s not only just creeping into Rural America but as Swamped American cities
Remember having 13 Gubernatorial candidates for 2026 is bad strategy in a state that is as fickle as a 6 year old is poor forth sight. You Republicans will not keep the Governor seat because of the conservatives, the moderates, the non partisans, the independents, the prolifers, the prochoicers, the lgbt, the evangelists, the christians on the Right being so confused that they will split an already split RCV ballot
If I was an outside business, I’d not set up in Alaska until the people start voting Senators, Representatives, and local councils and Assemblies who are PRO business and less government before setting up a business Unless the business generations millions and millions of dollars to afford the ridiculousness of Alaska
Alaska has a Looooooooooooooooong ways before its business friendly. First Alaskans need to cut themselves off from any government dependency they become dependent upon.
Tina, Alaska has ALWAYS been business friendly – if you’re in the oil and mining sector.