New Poll Shows New Yorkers Concerned About Affordability as Hochul Seeks Second Term
With less than two years before the next gubernatorial election, a new poll suggests Governor Kathy Hochul faces an uphill battle to secure a second term. While her approval ratings have slightly improved, they remain negative, mirroring public worries about affordability and crime.
Only about a third of respondents said they planned to vote for Hochul in 2026, while a slight majority longed for someone new.
"This drags the governor down deeper into negative territory as she enters the 2026 cycle," pollster Steven Greenberg said, noting that only "one-third – including only 48% of Democrats – say they’re prepared to re-elect her."
While New Yorkers remain likely to vote for a Democrat in the upcoming election, the margin is narrowing.
Culminating Incoming Legislative Session
With the new legislative session on the horizon, cost of living has emerged as a dominant concern for voters.
“Elected officials might want to listen when more than two-thirds of voters tell them the cost of living is a top priority," Greenberg pointed out, "and nearly half say affordable housing is also among the top two priorities."
But there’s not much hope for solutions anytime soon. Voters overwhelmingly believe crime and the influx of migrants have worsened in the past year, with 76% convinced the cost of living has gotten worse.
Congestion Pricing Faces Opposition
Governor Hochul’s re-instituted $9 congestion pricing plan for Manhattan faces overwhelming opposition, particularly in New York City and its suburbs.
Everett “There is essentially no group of New Yorkers that support the plan,” Greenberg said. “Democrats come closest to breaking even, but it’s opposed by City voters nearly two-to-one, and downstate suburbanites better than two-to-one."
Divided on Energy and National Politics
New Yorkers remain divided on energy. While more than two-fifths support building new nuclear power plants. Just as many oppose the idea.
When it comes to national politics, New Yorkers show a clear partisan divide. While Trish half of Democrat
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A Challenging Path Ahead
Positive notes for Hochul have been overshadowed by the poll’s negative findings.
The Governor faces an uphill battle to convince voters she deserves another term. The difficulties are appearing to be
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**Methodology
The Siena poll surveyed 834 registered New York voters from December 2-2 to December 5, revealing the nuanced anxieties and aspirations of New York state’s residents.
