NEW YORK, NY— Gov. Kathy Hochul’s favorability and job approval ratings declined in a new Siena University Research Institute poll, even as she maintained and slightly widened her lead over Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman.
The survey found Hochul, a Democrat, held a 41 percent favorable to 46 percent unfavorable rating, down from 45-42 percent in March.
Siena reported it marked her lowest favorability level since June 2025.
Her job approval rating also fell to 48 percent approve and 44 percent disapprove, according to the poll.
Despite the declines, Hochul led Blakeman 49 percent to 33 percent approval rating.
Siena reported that 64 percent of voters said they had never heard of Blakeman or had no opinion of him.
“Is it the late state budget? Is it something the governor has said or done? Hard to say, but either way, Hochul heads into a campaign — with an election 26 weeks from today — with her lowest favorability and job approval ratings in about a year,” Siena pollster Steven Greenberg said.
In Albany, Hochul’s budget strategy led to a standoff with New York City officials over funding responsibilities.
Her administration said city leaders should close their own budget gaps without additional state intervention, even as municipal officials pressed for increased support.
Climate policy also emerged as a point of tension.
Environmental advocates accused the governor of weakening elements of the state’s climate law, while Hochul emphasized efforts to reduce energy costs for residents.
The competing priorities fueled debate over how quickly the state should transition its energy systems.
Hochul also advanced a proposal to impose an annual surcharge on certain luxury second homes in New York City valued at $5 million or more.
The plan prompted debate among housing and tax policy stakeholders over its potential impact on revenue and the city’s high-end real estate market.
Throughout her tenure, Hochul has adjusted positions on major policy issues, including congestion pricing in New York City.
She previously supported the plan before later reversing course, citing concerns about affordability and cost of living.
Political analysts have described her administration as operating in a cycle of inherited crises, referencing challenges that predated her governorship, including fiscal pressures and infrastructure needs.
Greenberg said the governor’s declines were most pronounced among independents, men and New York City voters.
He added that the race remains largely aligned along party lines.
Siena conducted the poll from April 27 to April 30 among 806 registered voters in New York State. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.2 percentage points.
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