According to a new poll released on Tuesday (May 20th), New Yorkers’ favorability and approval ratings towards Governor Hochul remain relatively unchanged from last month. Governor Hochul’s support among Democratic governors ranks first, and her three new policies have garnered support from both parties. However, many people also indicated a preference for “someone else” to serve as the governor in 2026.
The latest Siena College Poll shows that Governor Hochul’s favorability and job approval ratings have maintained their historic highs from last month, with 44% satisfied versus 43% dissatisfied shifting to 44% versus 46% this month; her job approval rating has increased overall, from 48% satisfied versus 45% dissatisfied last month to 50% versus 46% now.
However, the percentage of voters hoping for “someone else” to become governor has risen from 48% to 55%. Among Democratic gubernatorial candidates, Hochul’s support still ranks first at 46%, with the support for the other two candidates, Antonio Delgado and Richie Torres, at 12% and 10% respectively.
For the Republican candidates, Elise Stefanik has received 35% support among Republican voters, leading the pack; while Mike Lawler garnered 22% and Bruce Blakeman received 11%.
Poll analyst Steven Greenberg noted that Hochul’s favorability reached a historic high last month and remained unchanged this month; however, “more Republicans (from 68% last month to 82% now) and more independent voters (from 55% last month to 64% now) prefer ‘someone else’ to be the next governor, while only 51% of Democrats are ready to vote for her again as governor.”
The three new policies of Hochul have overwhelmingly gained support from both party voters
The vast majority of people support policies such as the “click to unsubscribe” subscription policy, providing free meals to all public school students, and limiting K-12 students’ use of smartphones. Greenberg stated: “The three budget measures have received overwhelming support from both parties.”
Most voters support issuing inflation rebate checks and giving the government more mid-year budget reduction powers; most people believe all school districts should ban transgender individuals from participating in girls’ sports teams; a minority think Hochul’s proposed budget will make life more affordable in New York.
Voters are evenly split on several issues. For example, there is a difference of opinion on whether congestion pricing should be retained, with 39% hoping to keep the system and 41% wanting to cancel it.
Although most voters still believe New York should support the federal government in expelling illegal immigrants residing in New York, the support has decreased, from 48% for and 31% against in February to 45% for and 38% against now;
Voters still hold diverse views on the state’s development direction, with 43% believing New York is on the right track, while 46% think New York is heading in the wrong direction.
The Siena College Poll was conducted among 805 registered voters in New York from May 12th to 15th, 2025, with a margin of error of +/- 4.3%.