A new Siena College poll shows that frustration over the cost of living in New York has reached a level that cuts across nearly every political line.
Sixty-seven percent of voters say the state is headed in the wrong direction, a figure that includes majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and independents. The issue tying them together is affordability—day-to-day expenses that voters say are becoming harder to manage.
The survey, conducted among 806 registered voters in late April, places cost of living at the center of voter dissatisfaction. Majorities in every political group reported feeling the strain, with particularly high numbers among Republicans but still a clear majority among Democrats. The sentiment is consistent: expenses are rising, and confidence in solutions is low.
That frustration is reflected in Governor Kathy Hochul’s standing. Her favorability rating has slipped to 41%, while her approval rating dropped to 48%, both marking declines from earlier in the year. At the same time, she maintains a measurable lead in the governor’s race, holding a 49% to 33% advantage over Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman.
Blakeman’s challenge is visibility. Nearly two-thirds of voters say they don’t know enough about him to form an opinion, a gap that limits his ability to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction.
Beyond the governor’s race, the poll highlights broader unease with how the state is handling core issues. Housing stands out sharply: only 31% of voters believe New York is creating enough affordable housing, while 57% say efforts are moving in the wrong direction. Crime is another pressure point, with 53% saying current policies are falling short.
On other issues—education, environment, transportation, and healthcare—voters are more divided, often along party lines. But even among Democrats, there is agreement with other groups that housing and cost of living remain unresolved problems.
Other statewide figures face mixed or weak support. Attorney General Letitia James sees 43% backing her re-election, with 41% preferring someone else. Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s numbers are even more uncertain, with a large share of voters undecided or unfamiliar. Senator Chuck Schumer’s favorability sits at 33%, with a majority viewing him unfavorably.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani holds a narrow positive rating statewide and stronger support within the city itself, though the margin remains tight.
