Governor Kathy Hochul’s public image is improving, with her favorability, job approval, and re-election numbers all rising in the latest Siena College Research Institute poll. The shift comes as New Yorkers signal strong bipartisan support for several controversial budget measures, even as frustrations linger over the late state budget.
Favorability climbs after over a year in negative territory
Hochul’s favorability rating now stands at 44-43%, a positive margin for the first time since January 2024. Her job approval rating also improved, reaching 48-45%, up from 46-48% in March. While only 39% say they’re ready to re-elect Hochul, that’s up from 34% the month prior.
Pollster Steven Greenberg noted Hochul gained the most ground among independents, women, and upstate voters—despite remaining underwater with Republicans. “This is the best across-the-board poll she’s had in more than a year,” Greenberg said.
Broad support for Hochul’s budget agenda
Voters back four of Hochul’s core budget initiatives by wide margins:
- School smartphone ban during the day: 61% support
- Criminalizing mask use for threats or concealment: 64% support
- Discovery law reform: 43% support, 24% oppose
- Expanded involuntary mental health commitments: 45% support, 31% oppose
Despite support for the policies themselves, fewer voters back delaying the budget to secure them. Only 20% to 29% of respondents both support each measure and agree the budget should be held up for it.
Trump proposals face statewide pushback
New Yorkers also expressed strong disapproval of multiple proposals floated by former President Donald Trump. Large majorities opposed:
- Cutting federal funds to states
- Mass federal employee layoffs
- Tariffs over 100% on Chinese imports
- Directing the DOJ to investigate former Trump officials
Even among Republicans, nearly half oppose the funding cuts. Independents aligned more closely with Democrats on most Trump-related issues.
Schumer sinks, AOC surges
Sen. Chuck Schumer recorded his worst favorability rating in 20 years of Siena polling: 39-49%. His drop was driven by declining support from Democrats and liberals.
Conversely, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez posted the best favorability rating of any elected official in the poll: 47-33%. She is viewed positively by 64% of Democrats and evenly split among independents.
Additional highlights
- Trump’s favorability: Slight uptick to 40-55%, but independents swung more negative
- Blakeman gains edge over Lawler in a hypothetical GOP gubernatorial primary
- New Yorkers split on nuclear power expansion and electric school bus mandates
- State outlook improving: 41% say NY is on the right track, up from 32% in September
The poll surveyed 802 registered New York voters between April 14 and 16, 2025. It has a margin of error of ±4.4 percentage points.
For full crosstabs and methodology, visit Siena College Research Institute.
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