In New York, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is facing a stark decline in his poll numbers, particularly among his own party members. A recent survey conducted by Siena College reveals that Schumer’s favorable rating has dipped to 39%, marking the lowest point during his 20 years of polling history. This downturn is attributed to growing dissatisfaction from Democrats following his support of a federal funding bill favored by Republicans, including former President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appears to be gaining favor among voters, contrasting Schumer’s declining support.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Schumer’s Poll Decline: A New Low |
| 2) Factors Behind Schumer’s Unfavorability |
| 3) Ocasio-Cortez’s Rising Popularity |
| 4) Implications for Upcoming Elections |
| 5) Governor Hochul’s Improving Ratings |
Schumer’s Poll Decline: A New Low
The Siena College poll indicates that only 39% of New York voters view Chuck Schumer favorably, while 49% hold an unfavorable opinion. This represents a significant decline in his approval ratings, marking the worst performance by the Senate Minority Leader in two decades of polling history. The survey was conducted between April 14 and 16, 2023, and serves as a reflection of increasing discontent towards Schumer among constituents in his home state.
In recent times, Schumer has faced critical scrutiny from both Republican and independent voters, further exacerbating his unfavorable rating. This downward trend has raised concerns within Democratic circles, as his long-established position as a leading figure in the party appears to be threatened by growing dissatisfaction from the liberal base.
According to Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg, “Schumer is 10 points underwater,” implying a plurality of voters now perceive him unfavorably. This sentiment is especially pronounced among Democrats, indicating a concerning shift in the party’s base.
Factors Behind Schumer’s Unfavorability
The primary catalyst for Chuck Schumer’s declining ratings is attributed to his support of a federal funding bill championed by Republicans, which helped avert a government shutdown. This decision, which also received backing from former President Donald Trump, sparked significant backlash from within the Democratic party, particularly among progressives who feel betrayed by Schumer’s alignment with GOP priorities.
Following this move, Schumer saw a drop in favorability amongst Democrat voters, with his standing plummeting to a mere 52% favorability, a drastic reduction from 68% as recorded in previous polling data. Even among liberal Democrats, support has waned, with a decrease from a previously robust 68% favorable rating to just 47% at present.
Republican views on Schumer have remained consistently negative, with more than two-thirds rating him unfavorably. Similarly, independents do not favor him, indicating a bipartisan discontent with his recent actions. This signals broader challenges that Schumer will need to navigate if he hopes to regain trust and support from voters.
Ocasio-Cortez’s Rising Popularity
In stark contrast to Schumer’s decline, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has seen a remarkable increase in her favorability ratings, now pegged at 47% favorable among New York voters. This is a notable leap from the 38%-39% range reported during the last Siena polling session four years ago. Her rising approval among constituents represents a shift in voter sentiment, particularly among the Democratic base.
The poll reveals that 64% of Democrats view Ocasio-Cortez favorably, placing her at a higher approval rating than both Schumer and New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Despite the challenges she faces with Republican voters, where six in 10 express negative opinions of her, her appeal among independents showcases a potential pathway for the progressive wing of the Democratic party to capitalize on discontent with centrist figures like Schumer.
As a progressive champion, Ocasio-Cortez’s rise in New York seems to signify a growing alignment among voters with more left-leaning policies, posing potential threats to more established politicians like Schumer in future elections. This divergence in popularity between these two prominent Democratic figures could have significant repercussions as they approach potential re-election campaigns.
Implications for Upcoming Elections
The prevailing shifts in poll numbers generate questions about the future dynamics of power within the Democratic party, particularly in New York. With Chuck Schumer not up for re-election until 2028, his diminishing support may not pose immediate threats to his position. However, the re-emergence of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as a substantial player in New York politics could create a path for a primary challenge in years to come, further complicating Schumer’s political landscape.
Ocasio-Cortez’s notably high favorability among Democrats could embolden calls for change within the party, possibly leading to an increased movement toward progressive policies which may not align with Schumer’s centrist stance. Therefore, Democratic leaders will need to assess these shifts carefully to ensure they can effectively maintain unity leading up to the next election cycle.
Calls for Schumer to take a more vocal stance against Trump and to realign with progressive critics may intensify as pressure mounts from his constituents. With a growing discontent among Democrats, there is the potential for dramatic shifts in how candidates position themselves in the approaching electoral landscape across New York.
Governor Hochul’s Improving Ratings
In addition to the challenges faced by Schumer, Governor Kathy Hochul is experiencing a rise in her approval and favorable ratings according to the Siena College poll. Hochul’s approval rating currently stands at 48%-45%, an improvement from the previous month’s underwhelming ratings. This growth reflects both an increase in constituent satisfaction and an evolving perception of her leadership amidst pressing state issues.
While Hochul’s re-election remains uncertain, with only 39% of voters expressing readiness to support her against a potential candidate of different political leanings, this represents an upswing from a prior poll where only 34% showed the same inclination. The poll indicates that her rising numbers indicate improvement particularly among women and upstate voters, suggesting effective strategies that connect with critical demographics.
As Hochul gears up for her re-election campaign in 2026, her improving ratings and growing support from key voting blocs present a favorable landscape as she continues to assert her aims and leadership strategies.
“New Yorkers strongly support Governor Hochul’s leadership because she is fighting to get results on the priorities that matter to them,”
noted a Democratic Governors Association spokesperson.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Chuck Schumer’s poll numbers have significantly declined, reaching 39% favorable. |
| 2 | Dissatisfaction among Democrats, mainly caused by his support of a Republican funding bill, has fueled his unpopularity. |
| 3 | Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has seen her ratings rise, currently standing at 47% favorable. |
| 4 | Ocasio-Cortez’s popularity highlights a shift in Democratic voter preferences towards more progressive figures. |
| 5 | Governor Kathy Hochul’s approval ratings have improved, presenting a favorable outlook for her re-election. |
Summary
The significant decline in Chuck Schumer’s favorability among voters indicates a potential shift in the political dynamics within New York’s Democratic party. With increasing dissatisfaction stemming from his recent decisions and contrasting rise of progressive leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the upcoming election period may bring new challenges and opportunities for Democratic candidates. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications for both Schumer’s and Hochul’s leadership and electoral prospects warrant close observation in the months to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why has Chuck Schumer’s approval rating declined?
Chuck Schumer’s approval rating has declined primarily due to backlash from Democrats over his support for a federal funding bill that received significant Republican backing, leading many in his party to view him unfavorably.
Question: What are the implications of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s rising popularity?
Ocasio-Cortez’s rising popularity suggests a growing preference among Democratic voters for more progressive candidates, which may challenge establishment figures like Schumer as they prepare for future elections.
Question: How are Kathy Hochul’s approval ratings trending?
Kathy Hochul’s approval ratings are improving, with her favorability rising as she approaches her reelection campaign, indicating increasing satisfaction among constituents regarding her leadership.
