Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York is experiencing a mixed bag of approval ratings, as a recent Siena College poll indicates that while her favorability is improving, a majority of New Yorkers would prefer someone else to win the 2026 gubernatorial election in the state. The poll shows that only 33% of registered voters would re-elect Hochul for a second four-year term, with 57% saying they want a different candidate.
Even among Democrats, only 48% are willing to support Hochul for re-election, with 40% preferring another candidate. Hochul’s support among independents and Republicans is even lower, with 65% and 85% respectively favoring a different candidate. Her approval ratings have seen a slight uptick, with favorable ratings at 39% and job approval at 46%.
One factor contributing to her polling woes is her support for the New York City congestion pricing plan, which has been met with opposition from voters. Despite these challenges, voters still prefer a Democrat over a Republican to be the next governor by a margin of 52%-34%. Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres has hinted at a potential primary challenge against Hochul, citing concerns that she may be at risk of losing to a Republican candidate in 2026.
Ultimately, while Hochul is seeing some improvement in her ratings, challenges remain as she looks towards the upcoming election. Voters seem to prioritize party affiliation in their preferences, but concerns about specific policy decisions may impact support for the governor in the future.
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