Hochul, Schumer, Ocasio-Cortez Poll Ratings Shift

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has achieved her first net-positive favorability rating since January 2024, with 44% of voters viewing her favorably and 43% unfavorably, according to a new Siena College poll. Her job approval rating climbed to 48%, with gains among independents and Republicans, though nearly half of voters still prefer another candidate in the next election. Hochul’s major policy proposals, including restricting cellphone use in schools and changes to mental health and criminal laws, enjoy strong bipartisan backing. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer recorded his lowest favorability in twenty years—39% favorable and 49% unfavorable—largely due to recent legislative decisions that have hurt his support among Democrats. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez outperformed both Hochul and Schumer in favorability, fueling speculation about her potential as a future primary challenger. The poll highlights Hochul’s fragile gains and signals a shifting political landscape for New York Democrats.