Things aren’t going well for Schumer right now.
Chuck Schumer is facing a political firestorm—and this time, it’s coming from his own side of the aisle.
According to a new Siena College poll, the longtime Democrat and Senate Minority Leader has hit his worst approval numbers in two decades among New York voters. The collapse comes after Schumer backed a Republican-led federal spending bill supported by President Donald Trump—a move that outraged progressives and left-wing members of his party.
🔻 Democrat Backlash Erodes Schumer’s Base
Schumer’s decision to side with Trump and the GOP to avoid a government shutdown didn’t sit well with many Democrats. While the deal kept federal operations running, it exposed deep fractures within the party—and Schumer’s poll numbers are paying the price.
🔹 In the April 14–16 Siena poll:
- 39% of New York voters viewed Schumer favorably
- 49% viewed him unfavorably
- He’s now 10 points underwater, his worst standing ever recorded by Siena
Pollster Steven Greenberg noted that Schumer has lost serious ground among his own party:
“Support from Democrats, especially liberals, has dropped sharply.”
Schumer’s favorability among Democrats fell from 68% to 52%. Among liberals, it dropped from 68% to just 47%—a massive shift that signals internal collapse.
📈 AOC’s Popularity Surges Among Progressives
While Schumer flounders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—a far-left firebrand from New York City—is gaining traction. Her statewide favorability is now 47%, up significantly from 38% in previous years.
- 64% of Democrats view Ocasio-Cortez favorably
- Only 33% view her unfavorably
- Even Governor Kathy Hochul and Schumer trail behind her in Democrat support
Among Republicans, AOC remains deeply unpopular, with 60% disapproving of her agenda. Independents are split.
💬 Schumer Defends His Vote, Cites Trump and Musk
Trying to justify his controversial decision, Schumer argued that voting for the Trump-backed bill was “the lesser of two evils.” He warned that a shutdown would have handed even more power to President Trump and his influential White House advisor Elon Musk.
Musk, known for slashing federal bureaucracy, promoting cryptocurrency innovation, and cutting wasteful government spending, has become a symbol of Trump’s push for efficiency and private-sector-style accountability in D.C.
⚠️ 2028 Showdown? AOC Could Challenge Schumer
Though Schumer isn’t up for re-election until 2028, political insiders say the writing may be on the wall. Progressives are already floating Ocasio-Cortez as a potential primary challenger—and some early polls suggest she could win.
📊 Governor Hochul’s Numbers Improve—but Trouble Lingers
Meanwhile, Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul is seeing a modest boost in her approval rating—but trouble still brews for her 2026 re-election prospects.
✔️ Her approval rating is up slightly to 48% approve / 45% disapprove
✔️ Favorability also rose to 44%-43%, improving from last month’s negative margin
But just 39% of voters want her re-elected, while 48% say they prefer “someone else.” That’s better than March’s 34%, but still signals discontent.
Greenberg noted that Hochul’s improvements are mostly among women and upstate voters—two critical demographics for any future campaign.
🚨 Republicans Eye 2026 Governor’s Race
With Hochul vulnerable, top Republicans are preparing to challenge her. Names being discussed include:
- 🔹 Rep. Elise Stefanik
- 🔹 Rep. Mike Lawler
- 🔹 Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman
As issues like public safety, rising taxes, and illegal immigration dominate headlines, Republican challengers are expected to campaign on restoring law and order, lowering the cost of living, and cleaning up Albany corruption.
🗣️ Spin from the Left—But Reality Bites
Despite the numbers, Democrat leadership is spinning the poll. A spokesperson for the Democratic Governors Association claimed,
“New Yorkers strongly support Governor Hochul’s leadership because she’s fighting to get results.”
But many voters—especially older, working-class New Yorkers—are tired of rising crime, failing infrastructure, and radical policies. As November approaches, the momentum may be shifting toward common sense, conservative leadership.
✅ Key Takeaways for Conservative Voters:
- Chuck Schumer’s political career is on shaky ground after embracing Trump’s agenda—but the left won’t forgive him
- AOC continues to rise within the Democrat Party, signaling a more extreme future
- Republicans have real opportunities in New York if they focus on law, order, and affordability
- Elon Musk’s reforms are reshaping the federal workforce—and Democrats are worried
