Several prominent New York Democrats have distanced themselves from Governor Kathy Hochul ahead of the Nov. 3 elections, highlighting internal party tensions as she seeks re-election against Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
Representative Tom Suozzi, who is campaigning to retain his seat in New York’s 3rd Congressional District, will not be participating in a Nassau County Young Democrats event with Hochul on Saturday, citing a scheduling conflict. Suozzi’s campaign indicated that his schedule had been fully booked for weeks and that he was unavailable to attend the event.
Suozzi’s absence follows similar moves by other Democratic candidates in competitive races. In the 17th Congressional District, Democratic challenger Cait Conley attracted attention after publicly agreeing with her Republican opponent, Representative Mike Lawler, who declared at a recent forum that Hochul “has got to go.” Conley’s statement, made immediately after Lawler’s remarks during a Putnam County event, reinforced the growing dissatisfaction among some Democrats toward the governor.
In an upstate race for the 21st Congressional District, Democratic candidate Blake Gendebien declined to commit to supporting Hochul when questioned during an interview on Oct. 8. Gendebien emphasized his focus on advancing the North Country’s interests, avoiding direct endorsement of the governor. This district, following the retirement of Republican Elise Stefanik, is regarded as leaning Republican by political analysts.
Hochul’s low approval ratings appear to be fueling the reluctance of down-ballot Democrats to associate closely with her campaign. The governor's tenure has faced criticism for economic and policy decisions perceived as detrimental to New York’s growth. Notably, the state experienced a population decline in fiscal year 2025, ranking last nationally with a net decrease of 0.8%, accompanied by an estimated loss of nearly $10 billion in adjusted gross income.
Critics have pointed to Hochul’s continuation of a fracking ban inherited from her predecessor Andrew Cuomo, as well as a moratorium on data center development, which some argue have hindered economic expansion and technological investment. Additionally, recent increases to the state’s minimum wage, while aimed at supporting workers, have raised concerns among small business owners about sustainability and employment levels.
Social policy decisions have also drawn scrutiny, with Hochul advocating for progressive positions on contentious issues such as transgender participation in women's sports and immigration enforcement, actions that have polarized certain voter groups within the state.
Polling data collected in October reflect mixed public sentiment. A Marist poll showed Hochul maintaining a narrow lead over Blakeman but with a net favorability rating of negative four points. Another survey placed her net approval at minus ten, underscoring challenges in her public perception.
While New York remains a Democratic stronghold overall, the governor’s perceived vulnerabilities may complicate efforts for other Democrats in closely contested districts. As the midterm elections approach, the level of support—or lack thereof—from Hochul’s fellow Democrats could prove a notable factor in the outcome of critical races across the state.