Sean Hannity, the prominent Fox News host, has made a significant move from New York to Florida, a state he refers to as the “free state of Florida.” Announcing the relocation on his radio show, Hannity expressed his excitement about broadcasting from his new home. He humorously bid farewell to New York and welcomed the opportunities Florida presents, saying, “Florida, Florida, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. But it’s great to be here.”
Hannity’s decision aligns with a trend often termed the “blue state exodus,” where individuals are leaving states like California and New York, traditionally Democratic or “blue” states, for Republican or “red” states such as Florida and Texas. People making these moves often cite factors like lower cost of living and a desire for safer environments.
In explaining his move, Hannity specifically pointed to the left-wing policies in New York as a driving factor and expressed enthusiasm for Florida’s Republican leadership, including Governor Ron DeSantis and Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott. He shared his relief at finally having state representatives that align with his values, stating, “And finally, for the first time that I can think of in my adult life, I actually have representatives in the state that I’m living in that share my values.”
Hannity acknowledged the broader migration trend away from states with high taxes, burdensome regulations, high crime rates, and poor school districts. He admitted that in making this move, he might be “late and behind the curve” compared to others who have already relocated.
The migration patterns Hannity refers to are reflected in recent statistics from the US Census Bureau, which reported a significant population increase in Florida, with approximately 365,000 people, or 1.6% of its population, moving to the state. Conversely, New York experienced the highest gross population decrease in the country, with about 102,000 people leaving. As Hannity settles into his new home, his move adds to the ongoing narrative of Americans seeking states that better align with their personal and political preferences.
