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Schumer Faces Challenging Poll Numbers as AOC’s Popularity Surges
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is experiencing a significant drop in support within his own party, revealing growing discontent among New York Democrats. Recent polling from Siena College highlights the challenges Schumer faces as he attempts to navigate the shifting tide of voter sentiment.
Declining Favorability Ratings for Schumer
The latest Siena College poll, conducted from April 14 to 16, reveals that Schumer’s approval ratings in New York have plummeted. The poll shows that only 39% of voters view him favorably, while 49% express unfavorable opinions. This represents the lowest favorability score Schumer has recorded in over two decades of polling by Siena College.
Steven Greenberg, a pollster for Siena College, noted, “This is unprecedented for Schumer, as he finds himself 10 points underwater in favorability ratings, with many voters now viewing him negatively.” The backlash stems from Schumer’s bipartisan support of a Republican-led federal funding bill, which many Democrats criticized.
Impact of Party Discontent
The survey indicates a substantial decline in support among Democrats, particularly those identifying as liberal. Schumer’s favorability among party members has dropped drastically, with only 52% of Democrats viewing him positively, down from 68% just a few months ago. This growing discontent culminates in a more concerning statistic, where only 47% of liberal voters currently favor him, compared to a much higher 68% previously.
AOC on the Rise
In stark contrast, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is gaining momentum as she garners impressive polling numbers. Currently, Ocasio-Cortez enjoys a 47% favorable rating among New York voters, with only 33% expressing unfavorable views. This marks a notable increase from her previous standing four years ago when she registered around 38% to 39% favorable.
The poll suggests that Ocasio-Cortez is viewed positively by 64% of Democrats, placing her in a stronger position than both Schumer and Governor Kathy Hochul. Ocasio-Cortez faces some opposition, however. Nearly 60% of Republicans view her unfavorably, while independent voters remain evenly split.
Schumer’s Arguments and Future Challenges
Schumer has defended his vote in support of the federal funding bill, arguing it was the lesser of two evils and claiming a government shutdown would have empowered figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. However, his efforts to maintain unity within the Democratic Caucus may be foiled by increasing calls from party members for a stronger opposition against Trump and his policies.
While Schumer is not facing re-election until 2028, speculation is rife that Ocasio-Cortez could challenge him in a primary, particularly given early polling data that suggests she might best him.
Hochul’s Increasing Approval Ratings
Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul is enjoying a rise in her approval ratings, which currently stand at 48% favorable compared with 45% unfavorable. These figures reflect a slight improvement from the previous Siena College poll, which indicated a more unfavorable perception of her leadership.
Notably, Hochul’s favorability ratings have also improved, moving to 44%-43% from 40%-50% last month. Despite only 39% of voters favoring her re-election in 2026, this represents a bump from March when just 34% expressed support for her as incumbent.
Looking Ahead: Potential GOP Challenges
As Hochul prepares for her bid for a second term, several Republican figures, including Representatives Elise Stefanik and Mike Lawler, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman are reportedly considering their own gubernatorial campaigns. This competitive landscape underscores the shifting dynamics within the state’s political arena.
Kevin Donohoe, a spokesperson for the Democratic Governors Association, emphasized the positive sentiment toward Hochul, stating, “New Yorkers are in favor of Governor Hochul’s leadership due to her commitment to addressing the pressing issues that matter most to them, including public safety and managing costs.”
The Shifting Political Landscape in New York
The Siena Poll results illustrate a clear shift within New York’s political landscape. Schumer’s declining numbers could pose challenges not only for his leadership but also for the Democratic Party as a whole. Conversely, Ocasio-Cortez’s rising favorability positions her as a significant figure among progressives and signifies a potential generational shift within the party.
This evolving political climate, coupled with Hochul’s rebound and the prospect of strong Republican challengers, suggests that the 2024 and 2026 elections in New York will be closely watched. Voter sentiment could drive substantial changes in both the dynamics of representation and policy priorities for years to come.
