Kamala Harris Leads Trump by 14 Points in New York: New Poll Reveals Surprising Shift

Harris Gains Ground in New York, But Will It Impact Congressional Races?

The latest Siena College poll shows Vice President Kamala Harris holding a significant 14-point lead over former President Donald Trump in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup. This marks a significant increase from the 8-point lead President Joe Biden had over Trump in June. Harris' favorability has also improved since October, with 53% of New Yorkers now viewing her favorably.

While Harris's strong numbers are encouraging for Democrats, it remains unclear if this momentum will translate into victories in congressional races. The poll shows New Yorkers favoring Democrats over Republicans in Congress by a narrow margin, with the most competitive races taking place in the suburbs and upstate.

Hochul's Unpopularity Persists

Governor Kathy Hochul continues to face high unfavorability ratings, with 50% of New Yorkers viewing her negatively. Despite her low approval ratings, New Yorkers seem to support her policies, including a ban on cell phones in school classrooms. The governor is exploring the possibility of introducing legislation on this matter next year.

Congestion Pricing Remains Unpopular

The poll also reveals continued opposition to congestion pricing, with 59% of respondents wanting to see the tolling program scrapped entirely. Governor Hochul paused congestion pricing indefinitely in June, a decision that was well-received by voters. This latest poll shows even greater opposition to the program than a previous Siena poll in June, highlighting the continued resistance from New Yorkers.