New statewide poll shows voters put affordability, data center moratorium at top of priorities
A new statewide poll by Siena Research indicates that affordability is the top concern for New York voters. The poll also found broad bipartisan support for a recently passed one-year moratorium on data center construction, which Governor Kathy Hochul has not yet signed into law.
Newly released polling data from Siena Research indicates that affordability is the paramount concern for most New York voters, with 77% identifying it as a top-two issue. Siena Research pollster Steven Greenberg emphasized that this reflects a clear message to political candidates regarding the cost of living.
The poll also highlighted significant statewide support for a recently passed one-year moratorium on data centers. Greenberg noted the unusual bipartisan consensus on this issue, with a majority of Democrats and pluralities of Republicans and independent voters deeming the moratorium beneficial for New York. This public sentiment emerges as Governor Kathy Hochul has yet to sign the legislative moratorium into law, even as developers continue to target sites in Western New York, including Tonawanda, Niagara Falls, and Genesee County.
In the same poll, Governor Hochul's favorability rating saw a slight increase to 53%. This contrasts sharply with her Republican gubernatorial challenger, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who holds only a 25% favorability rating. Greenberg clarified that while polls offer a snapshot of public opinion at a given time, they are not predictive of future outcomes.