HOUSTON, Texas — In the wake of New York City’s historic mayoral election, the Houston Police Officers’ Union is openly inviting NYPD officers to consider relocating to Texas, citing concerns about the newly elected mayor’s stance on policing, KHOU reported.
In a social media post published shortly after Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City, the union asked,
“NYPD, are you disgusted with the election of Zohran Mamdani? Join us!”
| READ NEXT: What NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s public safety agenda could mean for NYPD
The post promotes the Houston Police Department as a law enforcement-friendly alternative, highlighting a recently approved 36.5% pay raise over five years, affordable housing and insurance, and a Deferred Retirement Option Plan available to all officers, according to the report.
The union also praised Houston’s leadership, saying the city has a “supportive mayor and city council” and a police chief who is “a retired Texas Ranger, not a politician.”
Mamdani’s campaign centered on progressive proposals, including the creation of a Department of Community Safety, a non-police agency to respond to certain emergency calls, especially those involving mental health crises.
| POLICE RESEARCH: How 8-, 10- and 12-hour police shifts affect staffing and wellness
Mamdani’s earlier support for defunding the NYPD, a stance he took in 2020, has resurfaced since he announced his campaign. He has since apologized for the phrasing and clarified that he now supports reform, not dismantling.
The Houston police union’s recruitment push adds to a growing trend of law enforcement agencies across the country targeting officers from cities with progressive criminal justice policies. In recent years, departments in Florida, Texas, and Arizona have launched similar campaigns aimed at officers frustrated with policies in major liberal cities.
The Houston Police Department has not officially commented on the union’s outreach, but the message has already gained traction on law enforcement forums.
Mamdani’s office has not responded to the Houston police union’s post.
