New Yorkers are increasingly feeling the strain of rising costs.
A recent survey reveals that nearly half of likely voters in New York believe their financial situation has declined over the past year. The poll, conducted by Marist College, shows that 45% of respondents report worsening personal finances.
In contrast, only 13% claimed an improvement, while 40% noted their finances remained unchanged.
There’s a notable difference between political affiliations; 54% of Democrats say their finances have worsened, compared to just 34% of Republicans.
Across the state, voters are grappling with higher expenses for gas, groceries, utilities, and housing. Reports indicate that 47% of voters in upstate New York feel worse off financially, followed closely by 44% in suburban areas and 42% in New York City.
Additionally, 54% of non-white voters feel their financial situation has declined, while 39% of white voters share this sentiment.
“Rising costs have been a persistent issue for years. Now, it’s really hitting home,” said seasoned campaign strategist O.B. Murray. “New Yorkers are spending more yet receiving less value, and they notice it daily.”
Murray pointed to the conflict involving Iran as a factor driving gas prices higher, but he also emphasized that state tax and spending policies have significantly contributed to these challenges.
Interest rates on mortgages are up, and housing costs, including rent, alongside tax and utility bills, have risen as well.
“Every day, they face increasing costs and wonder, ‘Who can we blame?’ People often direct their frustration at incumbents,” Murray noted.
Regarding the governor’s race, the Marist poll indicates that incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul has an 11-point lead over Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman, at 53% to 42%. This contrasts with another recent Siena University poll which shows Hochul ahead by 14 points, 54% to 40%.
Interestingly, Marist indicates that Blakeman is leading among independent voters, with 49% support compared to 39% for Hochul. Conversely, Siena claims independents favor Hochul by 10 points, despite showing Blakeman with a lead among them in a prior poll.
In the attorney general race, the Siena poll shows Democratic incumbent Letitia James leading Republican Saritha Komatireddy by 54% to 39%, while four-term Democratic comptroller Tom DiNapoli enjoys 59% support compared to 32% for Republican Joseph Hernandez.
This Marist Poll, which surveyed 1,448 voters in New York State, was conducted from October 22 through October 25 with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points.
Blakeman criticized the college polls, suggesting they favor Hochul.
“These polls are just tactics to suppress Republican voter turnout and skew election results. Kathy Hochul is trying to create the illusion that this race is over when her poor leadership will be at stake on Election Day,” Blakeman remarked.
His campaign pollster, John McLaughlin, added, “Siena’s poll serves as a lifeline to Kathy Hochul when she really needs support, but remember, the only poll that counts is the one on November 3.”
