Full Breakdown
New York Voters Decry Cost of Living as Hochul Holds Election Lead
5/5/2026, 9:03:48 PM
Core Findings of the Siena Poll
The Siena University poll surveyed 806 registered New York voters from April 27-30, with a margin of error of ±4.2 percentage points. Sixty-seven percent say the state’s cost of living is heading in the wrong direction, and 57 % view housing policy similarly. Only 31 % think the cost-of-living trend is positive. Among party identifiers, 59 % of Democrats, 79 % of Republicans and 71 % of independents say costs are too high. Governor Kathy Hochul’s favorability slipped to 41-46 % (down from 45-42 % in March) and her job approval fell to 48-44 %. Despite the decline, she leads Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman 49 % to 33 % in the gubernatorial race. Half of respondents (49 %) believe New York’s best days lie ahead, while 32 % feel the state is behind.
Background: Election Stakes
Governor Hochul is running for a second four-year term in the 2026 New York gubernatorial election. Rising housing costs and everyday expenses have become top voter concerns, shaping campaign narratives as the November ballot approaches.
Official Statements & Responses
Siena pollster Steven Greenberg said that while Democrats see progress on several issues, they agree with Republicans and independents that housing and cost of living are moving in the wrong direction. The poll’s release noted that Hochul’s declining favorability reflects growing concerns among New Yorkers about the state’s direction, especially regarding cost of living and housing.
Criticism & Opposition
Voter feedback shows broad dissatisfaction with New York’s economic trajectory. Even among Democrats, a clear majority joins Republicans and independents in labeling cost of living and housing as “too high.” Critics argue that the administration’s policies have failed to curb rent growth, mortgage costs, and everyday expenses, prompting calls for new approaches before the election.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All three source excerpts report consistent percentages for cost-of-living and housing concerns, presenting no direct contradictions. However, the poll does not break down responses by region, income level, or age, limiting insight into which demographic groups feel the impact most acutely.
Verbatim Quotes
> “A majority of Democrats think the state is on the right track on five issues, but even Democrats agree with Republicans and independents that the state is headed in the wrong direction on housing and cost of living,” — Steven Greenberg, Siena pollster
> “A new Siena University poll shows declining favorability for Governor Hochul and growing concerns among New Yorkers about the direction of both the state and the country-especially when it comes to the cost of living and housing.” — Siena University poll release
What’s Next
The poll’s findings are likely to shape campaign strategies for both parties as the November election nears. Hochul’s team may stress policy adjustments to address affordability, while Blakeman is expected to foreground cost-of-living critiques in outreach to undecided voters.
