Andrew Cuomo’s Popularity on the Rise, But Challenges Remain
In a surprising turn of events, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is seeing a gradual resurgence in popularity in the Empire State, according to a recent statewide Siena College poll. While Cuomo remains largely unpopular among New Yorkers overall, with only 37% viewing him favorably compared to 51% who hold an unfavorable opinion, his numbers have improved slightly since March 2022, when his favorability rating stood at 32% and unfavorable at 60%. This shift comes as Cuomo officially entered the race for New York City mayor, a move that has drawn significant attention statewide.
Despite his improved standing, Cuomo’s support remains uneven. His favorability among Democrats has barely budged, hovering at 51% now compared to 50% in 2022. However, the real driver of his rising popularity appears to be a significant surge in support from Republicans. In 2022, only 12% of GOP voters viewed him favorably, but that number has climbed to 25% in the latest poll. This growing Republican support, combined with a decrease in animosity toward him, suggests that Cuomo’s efforts to rebuild his image are resonating with some segments of the electorate.
Gov. Kathy Hochul Struggles to Gain Traction
While Cuomo’s numbers are improving, Governor Kathy Hochul continues to face significant challenges in maintaining public favor. Hochul, who took office after Cuomo’s resignation, has seen her net favorability rating drop sharply since March 2022, when she had a positive net favorability of 10% (45% favorable, 35% unfavorable). Today, her net favorability stands at a negative 10%, with 40% of voters viewing her favorably and 50% unfavorably.
Hochul’s struggles are compounded by growing pessimism among Democrats, who once overwhelmingly supported her. In March 2022, 64% of Democratic voters believed New York was on the right track, but that number has plummeted to 47% in the latest poll. This sense of discontent could have significant implications for Hochul’s political future, particularly as she prepares for a competitive reelection campaign.
Despite these challenges, Hochul maintains a strong base of support among key demographics. She continues to outperform Cuomo among Democrats, with 57% of Democratic voters favoring her, and she also enjoys higher levels of support from women, who favor her by a margin of 6% over Cuomo. However, her overall ratings remain underwater, and her ability to rally voters will be critical as the election season heats up.
Mayor Eric Adams’ Popularity Hits an All-Time Low
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing an even tougher road than Hochul, with his popularity hitting an all-time low. According to the poll, only 30% of NYC voters view Adams favorably, while a staggering 62% hold an unfavorable opinion of him. This gives him a net favorability rating of -32%, far worse than both Cuomo and Hochul. Adams’ struggles in the Big Apple have been well-documented, with criticism over his handling of crime, public safety, and other critical city issues.
The mayor’s uphill battle is further complicated by low voter enthusiasm. When asked whether they would re-elect Hochul, only 34% of voters said they would, while 56% expressed a preference for someone else. However, it’s worth noting that Hochul’s potential challengers, including her estranged Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado and Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), face even greater hurdles. In a hypothetical primary matchup, Hochul would easily defeat both Delgado and Torres, signaling that while voters are dissatisfied with her performance, they are not yet ready to embrace alternatives.
Voters Split on Key Policies and Congestion Pricing
The Siena College poll also shed light on voter opinions regarding specific policies and initiatives, particularly the controversial congestion pricing plan. The plan, which imposes a $15 toll on drivers entering certain parts of Manhattan during peak hours, has been a subject of debate across the state.
While a plurality of statewide voters oppose the congestion pricing plan, with 40% saying it should be eliminated and 33% in favor of keeping it, opinions are more divided among New York City residents. City voters are slightly more supportive of the plan, though it remains unpopular overall. Hochul’s stance on the issue aligns with the majority of Democrats and NYC voters, who want the plan to remain in place.
The poll also highlighted voter sentiment on other key policies. Hochul received positive marks for her efforts to make New York safer and improve access to affordable healthcare, with more voters approving than disapproving of her work on these issues. However, voters were less supportive of her efforts to make the state more affordable and her collaboration with the Trump administration, which remains a polarizing topic.
What Do These Numbers Mean for New York’s Future?
The latest Siena College poll paints a complex picture of New York’s political landscape, with implications for the 2024 elections and beyond. While Andrew Cuomo’s rising popularity suggests that he still maintains a degree of influence in state politics, his overall unpopularity indicates that his path to a political revival remains fraught with challenges.
For Kathy Hochul, the road ahead appears equally challenging. Her declining favorability ratings and the growing dissatisfaction among Democrats underscore the need for her to reboot her message and reconnect with voters. With a competitive primary on the horizon, Hochul must find a way to rally her base and address the concerns of swing voters if she hopes to secure another term.
Meanwhile, Eric Adams’ dismal approval ratings in New York City signal that he faces an uphill battle in his own reelection bid. While his low favorability may not directly impact Hochul’s or Cuomo’s political fortunes, it does highlight the broader challenges facing Democratic leadership in New York, where voters are increasingly frustrated with the direction of the state.
As the 2024 elections approach, these poll results serve as a reminder of the volatility and unpredictability of New York’s political climate. Whether Cuomo can fully capitalize on his improving numbers, whether Hochul can turn her fortunes around, and whether Adams can reverse his downward trajectory will all be critical questions in the months to come. One thing is clear: New York voters are eager for change, and the state’s leaders would do well to take their concerns seriously if they hope to regain their trust.
In conclusion, the Siena College poll offers a snapshot of a state at a crossroads. With voter dissatisfaction running high and political leadership under intense scrutiny, the next election cycle in New York promises to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable in recent memory.
