New York voters are increasingly pessimistic about the state’s direction, with a new Siena College poll showing widespread concern over the cost of living, housing, taxes and crime as Gov. Kathy Hochul prepares to seek re-election.
The survey of 806 registered voters, conducted April 27-30, found that 67% believe New York is heading in the wrong direction when it comes to affordability and the cost of living. The concern cuts across party lines, with 59% of Democrats, 79% of Republicans and 71% of independents or non-party-affiliated voters saying it has become harder to make ends meet.
“New Yorkers are very disappointed with the state of affairs. Full stop,” said JC Polanco, a political analyst and professor at the University of Mount St. Vincent. “You can see in the results regarding cost of living, affordability.”
The findings pose a political challenge for Hochul, who has sought to present herself as focused on affordability. Her favorability rating fell to 41%, down from 45% in March, marking her lowest level since June 2025, according to Siena. Her job approval also slipped to 48%, down from 52% in March.
Critics say the numbers reflect years of Democratic control in Albany, where high taxes, costly regulations and energy mandates have contributed to the state’s reputation as one of the most expensive places to live in the country. New York has the second-highest tax burden in the nation, trailing only Hawaii, according to a recent WalletHub report. In New York City, residents also pay a local sales tax on top of the state’s 4% levy.
“The cost of living doesn’t seem to be going in any direction but up,” political consultant George Arzt said. “People are worried about their future and their children’s future.”
Housing remains another major concern. Only 31% of voters said New York is creating enough affordable housing, while 57% said the state is moving in the wrong direction on the issue. Crime is also weighing on voters, with 53% saying statewide efforts to reduce crime are falling short.
Despite those concerns, Hochul continues to hold a sizable lead over Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County executive. The poll found Hochul ahead 49% to 33%, a slightly wider margin than in March.
Blakeman’s biggest obstacle is name recognition. Siena found that 64% of voters said they either do not know him or are unfamiliar with him.
Siena pollster Steven Greenberg said Democrats remain more positive than Republicans on several issues, but even Democratic voters share broader concerns about affordability and housing. With Mamdani just getting into power in the New York City, this problem will get drastically worse before it has the possibility to get better.
