Hold onto your hats, folks—Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is facing a political storm like never before, with his approval rating tanking to a measly 32% among New York voters, a number that’s got even his staunchest allies raising eyebrows.
According to the New York Post, a recent Siena College poll, Schumer’s favorability has plummeted to its lowest point in over two decades, with 55% of registered voters in the Empire State giving him a thumbs-down, while criticism mounts from progressive corners over his leadership during tough negotiations.
Let’s rewind a bit—Schumer, now 74, has been a fixture in New York politics for nearly half a century, starting as a state assemblyman in the 1970s, moving to Congress as a Brooklyn representative, and serving as a U.S. Senator since 1998.
Back in early 2005, the senator was riding high with a 63-20% favorability split in the first Siena poll of its kind, and by mid-2005, he hit a personal best of 70-22%—numbers that must feel like a distant memory now.
Fast forward to today, and the Siena survey, conducted among 802 registered voters from Nov. 10-12 with a margin of error of plus or minus 4 points, paints a grim picture: Schumer’s support is underwater across nearly every demographic, from liberals to conservatives, young to old, and upstate to downstate.
“Schumer is viewed unfavorably by a plurality of New York City voters, and strong majorities of downstate suburbanites and upstaters,” noted Steven Greenberg, Siena College pollster, a statement that underscores just how broad this discontent has spread.
Even in New York City, often a Democratic stronghold, only 38% of voters see Schumer in a positive light, while 48% are shaking their heads—a far cry from the loyalty one might expect in his backyard. Break it down further, and the numbers get uglier: 63% of white voters and 58% of Hispanic voters give him low marks, while even among Jewish voters, the split is nearly even at 46% favorable to 47% unfavorable.
Interestingly, black voters remain a brighter spot for Schumer, with 59% viewing him favorably against just 22% who don’t, though one wonders how long that goodwill can hold amidst such a tidal wave of negativity elsewhere.
Perhaps most striking is the fracture within his own party—among registered Democrats, Schumer barely ekes out a positive rating, with 45% in his corner and 43% against him, a split that signals trouble in what should be safe territory.
Compare that to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who outshines Schumer with a 42-37% overall favorability rating, and a robust 62-20% among Democrats, numbers that have some left-leaning voices whispering about a primary challenge in 2028 if Schumer runs again.
“It’s worth noting that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has an overall 42-37% favorability rating,” said Greenberg, a subtle nudge that the younger, more progressive star might be gaining ground where Schumer is slipping.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—some of Schumer’s left-wing allies are openly questioning his effectiveness, especially after bruising battles over government funding, with calls for him to step aside growing louder by the day.
A Schumer spokesman pushed back, stating, “Sen. Schumer will continue to vigorously oppose Trump’s attack on healthcare access and affordability, and do what he always does: work relentlessly and deliver impactful results for all New Yorkers.” Admirable words, but with numbers this dismal, one has to wonder if New Yorkers are still buying the sales pitch.
At the end of the day, Schumer’s historic unpopularity raises tough questions for conservatives and moderates alike: can a leader so out of step with his state—and even his own party—still steer the ship, or is it time for fresh blood to take the helm without veering into the progressive agenda’s rocky waters?