New York Governor Kathy Hochul maintains a significant lead over her opponent, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, with a margin of 54% to 28%, as reported by the latest Siena Poll conducted from January 26 to 28, 2024. This represents a slight increase from December’s results, which showed Hochul leading 50% to 25%. The poll surveyed registered voters across New York State and indicates strong support for Hochul among her party members.
Among registered Democrats, Hochul commands an impressive 64% to 11% lead over Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, a jump from the previous 56% to 13% reported in December. Hochul’s favorability rating has also seen an increase, reaching 49%, up from 43% the previous month. This is notable as it marks the first time in four and a half years that her favorability has reached this level according to Siena Poll data.
Support for Hochul’s Proposals
The poll highlights that six of Hochul’s proposals enjoy substantial support among voters, with approval ratings ranging from 58% to 68%. Four of these proposals have garnered bipartisan support, including the elimination of state income tax on the first $25,000 earned in tips, which received a 68% approval rating. Other proposals include ensuring immigration enforcement does not occur in sensitive locations without a judicial warrant (67% support) and increasing childcare funding by $1.7 billion (66% support).
Polling data indicates that Hochul’s job approval rating stands at 54% to 41%, a modest increase from December’s figures. In contrast, Blakeman’s favorability rating has improved to 20%, up from 17% in December, while Delgado’s stands at 21%, compared to 15% in the previous month.
Pollster Steven Greenberg emphasized the challenges Blakeman faces, noting that three in five voters are largely unfamiliar with him. Hochul’s strong lead among Democrats (79% to 8%) is contrasted with Blakeman’s 69% to 15% lead among Republicans. Additionally, Hochul leads with independents by a margin of 41% to 34%.
Voter Sentiment on Immigration Enforcement
The poll also reveals voter sentiment regarding immigration enforcement, particularly in relation to the operations of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE has a favorability rating of just 28%, while 67% of voters view the agency unfavorably. Although 43% of voters support deporting immigrants living illegally in the U.S., a significant 61% oppose the methods employed by ICE. This division reflects stark partisan perspectives, with independent voters aligning more closely with Democrats in their disapproval of ICE’s tactics.
Furthermore, former President Donald Trump continues to face low favorability ratings, with 33% of voters viewing him positively and 63% negatively. His job approval rating remains similarly low at 34% to 63%. Greenberg pointed out the consistency of New York voters’ disapproval of Trump, noting that they have maintained similar sentiments over several years.
Poll results indicate that 23% of voters believe actions taken by Hochul’s administration have positively impacted their family’s financial situation in the past year. In contrast, 56% believe actions taken by the Trump administration have worsened their financial conditions.
With the mid-term elections approaching, the Siena Poll underscores Hochul’s significant lead and the challenges facing her opponents as they seek to sway undecided voters. The data points to a complex political landscape in New York, where voter preferences are shaping the upcoming electoral contests.
