Schumer sinks, AOC soars in Siena poll as NY liberals demand harder anti-Trump line
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is facing a tough time in his home state of New York, with his poll numbers taking a hit. A recent poll conducted by Siena College revealed that Schumer’s favorable rating stands at 39%, with 49% of New York state voters viewing him unfavorably. This marks the worst showing for Schumer in the 20 years that Siena College has been conducting polls in the state.
The backlash against Schumer seems to be coming from within his own party, particularly among Democrats. The poll showed that while Schumer continues to be viewed unfavorably by Republicans and independents, his standing among Democrats, especially liberals, has taken a significant hit. Democrats now view Schumer favorably by a margin of 52-38%, down from 68-23%, and he is still viewed favorably by a plurality of liberals, but that margin has also decreased.
On the other hand, Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s popularity is on the rise in New York. The poll indicated that Ocasio-Cortez’s favorable ratings have increased to 47%, with only 33% viewing her unfavorably. Among Democrats, Ocasio-Cortez is viewed favorably by 64% of respondents, surpassing both Schumer and Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in popularity.
Schumer has defended his decision to support a Republican-crafted federal funding bill, despite facing calls from fellow Democrats to be more vocal in his opposition to President Trump. While there are already suggestions that Ocasio-Cortez could challenge Schumer in a primary, the Senate minority leader is not up for re-election until 2028.
Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul, who is running for re-election next year, has seen a rise in her approval and favorable ratings in the latest poll. Hochul’s approval rating now stands at 48%-45%, with her favorable ratings also improving to 44%-43%. Despite only 39% of voters being prepared to re-elect Hochul in 2026, her standing has improved from the previous month’s poll.
With Republican candidates considering launching campaigns for governor against Hochul, the Democratic Governors Association spokesperson Kevin Donohoe emphasized that New Yorkers strongly support Governor Hochul’s leadership and her efforts to address their priorities, from public safety to lowering costs.
In conclusion, Schumer’s declining poll numbers reflect the challenges he is facing within his own party, while Ocasio-Cortez’s increasing popularity highlights the shifting dynamics in New York politics. Governor Hochul’s improved ratings suggest that she is gaining traction among voters, despite potential challenges from the Republican side. The upcoming elections will be crucial in determining the political landscape in New York.
