New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s approval ratings have hit a record low, according to a recent Siena College poll. Only 44% of people approve of her performance, while 50% disapprove. Her favorability rating is also low, with 38% having a favorable view and 49% having an unfavorable view. This shows a significant decline in support since she took office.
Despite her overall low ratings, Hochul has received bipartisan support for her decision to pause New York’s congestion pricing program, which would have increased toll fares for commuters into New York City. Voters approve of this decision by a margin of 45% to 23%, with 16% neutral. This decision appears to be a rare point of agreement across party lines.
According to Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg, while voters approve of Hochul’s decision on congestion pricing and a social media bill she championed, her overall favorability and job approval have plummeted to their lowest levels in nearly three years.
Governor Kathy Hochul
Among Democrats, she retains a two-to-one favorability ratio and a strong job approval rating, but she faces significant disapproval from Republicans and independents.
The same poll also recorded President Biden’s lowest-ever favorability in New York at 42%. Biden leads former President Trump by a narrow margin of 47% to 39%, with Biden holding strong support among Democrats while Trump leads among Republicans and independents.
The survey highlights a notable gender gap and division among white voters, with Biden leading among non-white voters but facing significant support for Trump from Black and Latino voters.
Hochul’s decision to halt the congestion pricing plan, initially set to start on June 30, was influenced by concerns about voter backlash and was encouraged by House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.
The plan aimed to reduce traffic and improve air quality but faced opposition from various quarters, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and former New York officials. Suburban voters particularly supported the delay, which has been criticized by both Republican and left-wing activists for different reasons. The Siena College survey, conducted among 805 registered voters, has a margin of error of 4.1%.
