Poll: Hochul’s unpopularity threatens Democrats in key NY districts
Governor's low approval ratings jeopardise Democrats in pivotal NY districts
New Yorkers in pivotal congressional districts express dissatisfaction with Governor Kathy Hochul, potentially posing a challenge for Democrats in upcoming House races, according to new poll data. The surveys, carried out by McLaughlin & Associates for GOP candidates, indicate that over half of likely voters in key districts have an unfavourable opinion of the governor.
In District 17 of the Hudson Valley, where Republican Rep. Mike Lawler is set to compete against former Democrat Rep. Mondaire Jones, 56% of voters view Hochul negatively, while only 35% see her favourably. Similarly, in Long Island’s District 4, 57% of voters disapprove of Hochul’s performance, with just 35% showing approval. This district will witness a contest between GOP incumbent Anthony D’Esposito and Democrat Laura Gillen. Over in the Syracuse region’s District 22, 56% of voters disapprove of Hochul, with 39% holding a positive opinion. Here, GOP incumbent Brendan Williams will face Democrat John Mannion.
Independent voters are particularly critical of Hochul. Approximately 70% of independents in Long Island’s District 4, and around 60% in both the lower Hudson Valley and Syracuse regions, have an unfavourable view of her. The polls, conducted on Aug. 5, 12, and 21, involved 400 likely voters per district and have a margin of error of ±4.9 percentage points.
Oof. Kathy Hochul's is *20* points underwater in the new Siena College poll.
Approve: 34%
Disapprove: 54% pic.twitter.com/EtvJz13oHN— Matt Rice (@matt____rice) September 19, 2024
Democratic strategists suggest candidates might avoid associating with Hochul in the lead-up to the Nov. 5 elections. Political consultant Hank Sheinkopf advises Democratic candidates to distance themselves from the governor.
Republicans, including Lawler, have criticised Hochul’s leadership, linking her unpopularity to issues such as the state budget and public safety concerns. Lawler predicts she will lose her re-election bid in 2026 due to her performance.
The release of these GOP polls follows a Siena College statewide poll showing Hochul’s unpopularity in New York. GOP polling also reveals that voters in District 1 and District 3 hold similar views. Notably, Hochul did not campaign with Rep. Tom Suozzi in his special election bid earlier this year.
Hochul’s campaign office, along with the campaigns for Gillen, Jones, and Mannion, declined to comment. State Democratic Party chairman Jay Jacobs, an ally of Hochul, downplayed the polls, stating that candidates need to focus on their individual campaigns.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Spectrum Local News reports Governor Kathy Hochul shrugs off record-low favorability and job approval ratings, focusing on electing Democrats despite voter dissatisfaction and shifting political leanings. (Read more)
- The New Yorker: The article highlights the crucial role of New York’s suburbs in determining the U.S. House of Representatives’ control, emphasizing intense competition and shifting voter sentiments. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How do New Yorkers in battleground districts feel about Gov. Kathy Hochul?
Over half have an unfavorable view of her.
What percentage of voters in District 17 have a favorable view of Hochul?
35% of voters have a favorable view.
How do independent voters view Hochul in these battleground districts?
Around 70% in Long Island and 60% in Hudson Valley and Syracuse view her negatively.
Will Democratic candidates likely invite Hochul to campaign with them?
Democratic strategists suggest they likely won’t invite her.
What did GOP poll results show about Hochul’s popularity compared to Trump?
Hochul is more unpopular than Trump in blue-leaning New York.
