A prominent digital billboard in Times Square displayed a message urging New Yorkers dissatisfied with mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani to "move to Ohio," framing the contrast between Mamdani and Ohio gubernatorial hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy.

The advertisement, funded by a super PAC supporting Mr Ramaswamy’s 2026 gubernatorial campaign in Ohio, featured side‑by‑side images of both candidates accompanied by stern messaging: "Ready to flee NYC?

Radical socialist Zohran Mamdani" and "Move to Ohio! Protecting freedom – Vivek Ramaswamy." The campaign reportedly cost around $50,000 and will remain on display through the week.

Criticism emerged swiftly from passers‑by and New York residents.

One construction worker reportedly asked, "Why would we move to Ohio?

We live in New York," while another individual expressed confusion and profanity‑laced disbelief.

A tourist from Texas dismissed Ohio as merely a transit state, suggesting it lacked distinct appeal.

The initial billboard configuration did not clearly display both candidates together; instead, Mamdani and Ramaswamy appeared on separate faces of the structure, rendering the intended comparison difficult to interpret at first glance.

The layout was later adjusted so both images could be viewed simultaneously.

Ohio, despite being chosen as an alternative destination, was only the 20th most frequent destination for New Yorkers relocating in 2022, according to census data.

The billboard sought to underscore ideological differences: Mamdani described as a "radical socialist," and Ramaswamy portrayed as a pro‑freedom conservative.

Both are of Indian descent — Mamdani, 33, emerged victorious in the Democratic primary for New York mayor, while Ramaswamy, 39, is leading the Ohio Republican gubernatorial field.

The PAC backing Ramaswamy has reportedly raised $17 million ahead of the election.

Responding to expressions of concern over ethnicity-based criticism, Mr Ramaswamy stressed that discussion should remain centred on ideology, not identities.