Governor Kathy Hochul made history as New York’s first female governor, ascending to office at a crucial moment of transition. However, historic firsts do not guarantee success, and polls suggest that many New Yorkers are dissatisfied with her leadership. According to a Siena College poll, Hochul’s favorability rating has plummeted to 34%. Her job approval rating has fallen to 39%, with 56% of New Yorkers saying she is doing a poor job.

While the governor remains focused on key political tasks, such as supporting Democratic efforts to win back the House of Representatives, voters are worried about NY’s direction. Hochul has faced criticism for overseeing an Empire State that has lost a congressional seat due to population decline and is now grappling with budget deficits. Taxpayers are wondering where their money is going.

New York was once the jewel of American states, known for its innovation, culture, and economic might. Yet, with Hochul at the helm, the state risks ceding more ground California, Texas, and Florida. With rising costs of living, crime, and a mass exodus of residents, the Empire State is in danger of losing its luster. New Yorkers deserve better than a governor who offers only incremental solutions to monumental challenges.

Surprisingly, her favorability rating is now lower than former President Donald Trump’s, historically unpopular in deep-blue New York. Only 18% of independents and 24% of voters aged 18-24 view her favorably.

This editorial does not intend to dismiss Hochul’s achievements or the barriers she has broken, but governance is not just about making history—it is about leading effectively and in the best interests of all constituents. It may be time for New Yorkers to consider a change in leadership, one that brings fresh ideas, energy, and a willingness to stand up to the extremes of both the right and left.

New York is a state of immense promise and potential, but to reclaim its place as a leader among states, it needs someone with the vision and ability to tackle its unique challenges. That means more than a symbolic first—it means a governor who can deliver and restore confidence in the state’s future.

New Yorkers are tired of excuses. As we face critical crossroads on issues like housing, crime, infrastructure, and financial sustainability, the state’s leadership must be proactive, transparent, and accountable. Perhaps it’s time for a new generation of leaders who can rise above the partisan noise and chart a path that benefits the great people of New York.

Governor Hochul may still have time before her next election, as she herself has noted. But her trajectory is not one that inspires confidence. If New York is to thrive once more, it requires bold new leadership, unafraid to confront the difficult realities facing the Empire State today.