Polls Show Majority of New Yorkers Prefer Different Governor Candidate

Recent surveys indicate that, while Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul maintains a slightly positive approval rating, a significant number of New Yorkers would prefer a different candidate for the upcoming 2026 election. A poll from Siena University, released on Tuesday, highlights that Rep. Elise Stefanik is leading among three notable Republicans contemplating a run for the GOP nomination.

In a poll conducted between May 12 and 15, 36% of registered voters indicated their intention to re-elect Hochul for a second term, but the majority—55%—expressed a desire for other options. This marks a 10-point decline for Hochul since the previous Siena poll in April, where 39% of respondents were ready to support her again, with 48% favoring alternative candidates.

Interestingly, among Democratic voters surveyed, 51% are inclined to re-elect Hochul at this early stage in the election cycle, while 38% stated they prefer “other people.” However, the number of voters seeking a different candidate rises to 64% among Republicans and 82% among more conservative voters.

It’s worth noting that there’s been an increase in the preference for alternatives; specifically, the figure jumped from 68% to 82% among Republican voters, and from 55% to 64% among independents. Despite this, a slight majority of Democrats—51%—still show support for Hochul.

Hochul, who became New York’s first female governor in August 2021 as lieutenant governor, won her position after defeating Lee Zeldin in the 2022 election by a narrow margin. Zeldin’s performance was notable and marked the best showing for a Republican candidate in New York since George Pataki’s re-election in 2002. Hochul announced her plans to run for re-election in 2026 last July.

The latest poll indicates Hochul’s approval rating sits at just above water with 50% approving, 46% disapproving. Interestingly, her preferred rating stands at 44%, while 46% prefer someone else.

When pressed about recent budget measures, including tax cuts and increased benefits for education and healthcare, 52% of participants responded positively while 43% claimed they were not as impressed.

In terms of potential challengers, Hochul is currently leading with 46% support among Democrats for the party’s nomination, overshadowing Lt. Col. Antonio Delgado at 12% and Rep. Richie Torres at 10%. Analysts suggest that both rivals are not well known to the electorate, which likely impacts their standings.

On the Republican side, 35% of GOP voters show support for Stefanik, who is a key figure aligned with former President Trump and is considering a run for governor. Meanwhile, Mike Lawler has garnered 22% support, and Bruce Blakeman holds 11% in the polling. Among New Yorkers, Trump himself has a 40% approval rating, contrasted by a 57% disapproval rating.

Overall, the political landscape looks dynamic as the 2026 election approaches, with considerable debate around Hochul’s chances of re-election in a state that is leaning blue.