Schumer’s time in politics may be coming to an end soon. He’s been taking defeat after defeat in recent months.
And Chuck Schumer has been smacked in the face by the worst news imaginable.
New York’s Political Tide Shifts: Schumer Faces Headwinds as Ocasio-Cortez and Hochul Gain Ground
In New York’s ever-shifting political arena, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is grappling with a rare dip in popularity, while other prominent figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Gov. Kathy Hochul are seeing their stars rise, according to a fresh Siena College poll conducted April 14-16.
Schumer’s Rough Patch
Chuck Schumer, a veteran of New York politics and the Senate’s top Democrat, is facing a chilly reception from his home state. The Siena poll reveals his favorability at a stark 39% positive to 49% negative—a low not seen in the two decades Siena has tracked New York voters. “A first in a Siena College poll: Schumer is 10 points underwater, with a plurality of voters viewing him unfavorably,” said Siena pollster Steven Greenberg.
The slide stems largely from a backlash within his own party. Schumer’s support for a Republican-led federal funding bill in March, which staved off a government shutdown and won President Donald Trump’s backing, sparked ire among Democrats. The move, opposed by most congressional Democrats, has cost him dearly among his base.
“While he continues to be viewed unfavorably by more than two-thirds of Republicans and a majority of independents, Schumer saw his standing with Democrats, particularly liberals, fall dramatically,” Greenberg noted. Among Democrats, his favorability dropped to 52-38%, down from 68-23%, and among liberals, it’s now a narrow 47-41%, a steep fall from 68-21%.
Schumer has defended his vote, arguing that a shutdown would have empowered Trump and his advisor, billionaire Elon Musk, who is slashing federal jobs as head of DOGE. Yet, despite calls from fellow Democrats for fiercer opposition to Trump, Schumer retains his grip on the Senate Democratic Caucus. With his next re-election not until 2028, he has time to mend fences, but whispers of a potential primary challenge are already swirling.
Ocasio-Cortez’s Rising Star
While Schumer navigates turbulent waters, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is riding a wave of support. The progressive firebrand from New York City boasts a 47% favorable rating against 33% unfavorable, a marked improvement from her 38-39% split four years ago. Among Democrats, 64% view her positively—outshining both Schumer and Hochul. Republicans, unsurprisingly, are less enthused, with 60% holding a negative view, while independents are split evenly.
Ocasio-Cortez’s growing clout has fueled speculation about her ambitions. Some early polls suggest she could outpace Schumer in a hypothetical primary showdown, a prospect that highlights her appeal as a bold voice for change.
Hochul’s Steady Climb
Gov. Kathy Hochul, gearing up for her 2026 re-election bid, is also gaining traction. The Siena poll shows her approval rating ticking up to 48-45% from 46-48% in March, with her favorability now at 44-43%, a rebound from 40-50% last month. “Hochul improved most among upstate and women voters,” Greenberg observed.
Though only 39% of voters are ready to back her re-election—compared to 48% preferring “someone else”—this marks progress from March, when just 34% supported her and 56% wanted an alternative.
Democratic Governors Association spokesperson Kevin Donohoe seized on the numbers, declaring, “New Yorkers strongly support Governor Hochul’s leadership because she is fighting to get results on the priorities that matter to them – from public safety to lowering costs.”
Hochul’s path to re-election won’t be without challenges. Republican figures like Reps. Elise Stefanik and Mike Lawler, along with Nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman, are eyeing gubernatorial runs, setting the stage for a heated contest.
A Shifting Landscape
The Siena poll paints a vivid picture of New York’s political moment: a veteran leader facing unexpected headwinds, a radical Leftist gaining momentum, and a governor steadily rebuilding her base. As Schumer works to regain his footing and Ocasio-Cortez’s influence grows, Hochul’s improving numbers signal resilience. With 2026 and 2028 on the horizon, the Empire State’s political drama is just heating up.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
