Transit leaders on Monday voted to approve New York City’s congestion pricing program, fueling a growing backlash against Gov. Kathy Hochul, whose decision to revive the unpopular proposal has given her critics ammunition to renew their attacks.

Governor Hochul sidelined congestion pricing in June because she said she feared its economic impact on New Yorkers trying to make ends meet. But the policy also threatened to harm the political fortunes of Ms. Hochul’s fellow Democrats during congressional elections earlier this month.

Now, the re-emergence of congestion pricing has predictably drawn the ire of Republicans, who are already eying the governor’s race in 2026. Among the loudest voices is Representative Mike Lawler, who is rumored to be considering a run for governor, and who released an ad in recent days targeting the toll plan and Governor Hochul.

And while a great majority of Democrats in New York City have cheered the return of the plan, suburban Democrats have also shown frustration at the return of congestion pricing.

Ms. Hochul’s revised plan will charge most drivers $9 to enter the busiest parts of Manhattan, and is expected to generate $15 billion to pay for essential repairs and upgrades to the city’s mass transit system. The hope is that the fees will get cars off the crowded streets of Manhattan while improving traffic and air quality.