In a surprising turn of events, New York Governor Kathy Hochul's approval ratings have plummeted to an all-time low, positioning her unfavorably in comparison to former President Donald Trump within the traditionally Democratic stronghold of New York. A recent Siena College poll conducted among 1,000 New Yorkers between September 11th and 16th illustrates a stark decline in Hochul’s favorability, with only 34% of likely voters expressing a positive opinion of her. This contrasts with Trump’s 39% favorability rate in the same survey.
The poll further reveals that Hochul's job performance ratings have experienced a significant drop. Currently, only 39% approve of the work she is doing as governor—a decrease from August figures which showed her approval rating at 46%. Meanwhile, disapproval has risen to 56%. According to Steven Greenberg, a pollster from Siena College, "Hochul’s favorability rating has never been stellar but witnessing it reach this low marks a new negative milestone."
Additionally, these findings come amid broader concerns about the direction in which New York state is headed. A mere 32% of those polled believe New York is on the right track, while a majority of 55% think otherwise—a sentiment that reflects growing pessimism among New Yorkers regarding both state and national trajectories.
Despite these challenges for Democrats statewide, Vice President Kamala Harris maintains a lead over Trump by 13 points in hypothetical matchups among New York voters. Nonetheless, the shift in public opinion signals potential vulnerabilities for Democrats in a state they have dominated for decades.
Governor Hochul is currently focusing efforts on regaining control of the House by targeting key districts in upcoming elections—a task made more urgent by her dwindling support base. Meanwhile, Trump has actively campaigned in New York, supporting GOP candidates like Rep. Anthony D’Esposito as Republicans eye pivotal seats to secure a House majority.
As Election Day approaches and political dynamics continue to evolve, these polling results underscore the volatile nature of voter sentiment and hint at possible shifts in New York's political landscape ahead.
The poll further reveals that Hochul's job performance ratings have experienced a significant drop. Currently, only 39% approve of the work she is doing as governor—a decrease from August figures which showed her approval rating at 46%. Meanwhile, disapproval has risen to 56%. According to Steven Greenberg, a pollster from Siena College, "Hochul’s favorability rating has never been stellar but witnessing it reach this low marks a new negative milestone."
Additionally, these findings come amid broader concerns about the direction in which New York state is headed. A mere 32% of those polled believe New York is on the right track, while a majority of 55% think otherwise—a sentiment that reflects growing pessimism among New Yorkers regarding both state and national trajectories.
Despite these challenges for Democrats statewide, Vice President Kamala Harris maintains a lead over Trump by 13 points in hypothetical matchups among New York voters. Nonetheless, the shift in public opinion signals potential vulnerabilities for Democrats in a state they have dominated for decades.
Governor Hochul is currently focusing efforts on regaining control of the House by targeting key districts in upcoming elections—a task made more urgent by her dwindling support base. Meanwhile, Trump has actively campaigned in New York, supporting GOP candidates like Rep. Anthony D’Esposito as Republicans eye pivotal seats to secure a House majority.
As Election Day approaches and political dynamics continue to evolve, these polling results underscore the volatile nature of voter sentiment and hint at possible shifts in New York's political landscape ahead.
