Job approval rises slightly but remains negative as cost of living, housing dominate voter concerns
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s approval ratings inched upward in December, though a majority of New York voters still view her unfavorably and would prefer a different candidate in the 2026 gubernatorial election, according to a recent Siena College poll.
Hochul’s favorability rating stands at 39% positive and 49% negative, marking an improvement from her October rating of 36% to 51%. Her job approval also rose slightly to 46%, with 49% disapproving of her performance. Despite this uptick, only 33% of New York voters say they would re-elect Hochul, while 57% want “someone else” to take her place.
The poll, conducted from Dec. 2-5, reflects a consistent dissatisfaction with Hochul’s leadership among various voter demographics. While 48% of Democrats are willing to support her re-election bid, 85% of Republicans and 65% of independents prefer a new candidate. Voters remain polarized along party lines, with 52% favoring a generic Democrat for the next governor and 34% preferring a Republican.
Cost of living dominates concerns
New Yorkers are clear about what they want Albany to prioritize in 2025: tackling the rising cost of living. The poll shows 71% of voters rank it as one of their top two issues, with 43% calling it the most important concern. Affordable housing follows, identified as a top issue by 48% of voters, while 38% cite crime and 35% point to the influx of migrants.
More than three-quarters of New Yorkers (76%) believe the cost of living has worsened over the past year. The housing crisis is also a pressing issue, with 68% saying availability of affordable housing has deteriorated. Crime and migrant-related issues are seen as worsening by 54% of respondents.
Hochul’s congestion pricing plan faces opposition
Hochul’s $9 congestion pricing plan for Manhattan received a cold reception, with 51% of voters opposed and just 29% in favor. Opposition is particularly strong among New York City residents (56%) and downstate suburbanites (60%).
On energy policy, New Yorkers are split over building new nuclear power plants, with 42% supporting the idea and 43% opposed. A notable gender divide exists, with 59% of men in favor and 56% of women against.
Immigration and deportation policy divides voters
The Siena poll highlights partisan divides on immigration. A majority of voters (54%) believe New York State should support federal efforts to deport migrants living in the state illegally, while 35% oppose such actions. Support for deportation is strongest among Republicans (87%) and independents (54%), while 51% of Democrats oppose the measure.
Former President Donald Trump continues to polarize the electorate. He holds a 37% favorability rating, with 59% viewing him unfavorably. While 85% of Republicans support Trump, 83% of Democrats and 53% of independents view him negatively. Half of New Yorkers believe a second Trump presidency would be detrimental to the state.
As Hochul prepares for the 2025 legislative session, addressing economic pressures and voter dissatisfaction will be critical. The path forward may hinge on her administration’s ability to deliver tangible improvements in affordability and public services.
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