What will be a big setback for the Democratic-controlled state of Illinois will be a major victory for the Republican-controlled state of Florida.

Under the Democratic administration of Chicago’s mayor, Lori Lightfoot, crime and violence have risen. Now, Chicago will shortly suffer a massive defeat, while Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, is the big winner.

Citadel Securities, which is owned by Chicago’s wealthiest man, Ken Griffin, has announced that it is relocating its headquarters to Miami, in part owing to the Windy City’s enormous crime rate. Griffin is the third-wealthiest individual in Chicago with $22 billion in assets.

According to the Washington Examiner, Griffin informed his employees in a letter that the office was relocating, and according to his senior officials, criminality was one of the primary reasons for the change, even though he did not expressly cite it.

In a recent interview, he stated, “If people aren’t safe here, they’re not going to live here.”

“I’ve had multiple colleagues mugged at gunpoint. I’ve had a colleague stabbed on the way to work, countless issues of burglary. I mean, that’s a really difficult backdrop with which to draw talent to your city from,” he told the Wall Street Journal.

Griffin and his company are relocating from Illinois to Florida in order to establish the business there.

“Miami is a vibrant, growing metropolis that embodies the American dream,” said Griffen of the city, which is led by Frances Suarez, a Cuban descendant and Republican mayor.

Griffin added, “I am excited to have recently moved to Miami with my family, and look forward to rapidly expanding Citadel in a city so rich in diversity and abounding with energy.”

“I’ve had multiple colleagues mugged at gunpoint. I’ve had a colleague stabbed on the way to work. Countless issues of burglary. I mean, that’s a really difficult backdrop with which to draw talent to your city from.” https://t.co/U8YEiMDbyX

— Josh Kraushaar (@HotlineJosh) June 23, 2022

As reported by POLITICO:

It stings either way for Illinois, which has benefited from Griffin’s philanthropy to the tune of $600 million — including putting his money where his mouth is and funding $35 million in crime-fighting technology and education programs. Griffin’s exit to Florida (his home state) also follows news that Caterpillar and Boeing companies are moving their HQs out of Illinois, too.

Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot were quick to remind that companies are still moving into Illinois. Kellogg Co., for example, announced earlier this week it’s opening its HQ here.

The big question for Playbook readers: Will Griffin still be engaged in Illinois politics? It will depend on the primary, a person told Playbook.

As the Tribune points out in its thorough report: “Since 2002, Illinois State Board of Elections records show, Griffin has contributed $179 million to state and local candidates, mainly Republicans, and organizations.

More on this story via The Republic Brief:

In addition to this, Politico reports that Griffin, who has an estimated net worth of around $27 billion, recently donated $50 million to the campaign of Republican Richard Irvin for governor, but in the wake of polls showing Irvin losing, Griffin announced he was moving Citadel Securities to Miami.

In spite of that, the outlet went on to say, “In reality, Griffin has been talking about leaving Chicago since before Irvin was a glimmer in our political eyes. Announcing the company’s departure before the election — instead of after — means critics can’t say Griffin’s leaving because Irvin may have lost.” CONTINUE READING…