Nearly half of New Yorkers are on board with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D-NY) indefinite pause on congestion pricing, but they may not feel the same about the governor herself, according to a new poll.

A Siena College Research Institute poll found that 45% of registered voters in New York were on board with the pause in congestion pricing, while 23% said they opposed the governor’s move. Earlier this month, Hochul “indefinitely paused” congestion pricing that was supposed to go into effect June 30 on those who drive below 60th Street in Manhattan. 

While almost half of New Yorkers are OK with the move, Hochul’s approval ratings still dropped, as 38% of voters viewed her favorably and 49% viewed her unfavorably. This is a change from the 46% of those who viewed her unfavorably in May. 

“Despite strongly supporting Hochul’s decision to put congestion pricing on hold, and even more strongly supporting the social media bill she championed, voters now give Hochul the lowest favorability and job approval ratings she’s had in nearly three years as Governor,” Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg said.

In the Democratic Party, however, Hochul’s favorability increases to 56%. It’s a good sign for the governor as she is up for reelection in 2026.

Her decision to pause congestion pricing was strongest in the New York suburbs, with 56% of respondents in favor and 18% against. New York City residents were more split on the matter, with 45% of those polled in favor and 35% not in favor. 

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Despite this, the move received pushback from environmentalists and progressives in the state who see it as a step back from an effort to decrease air pollution. From the 26 demographics of people polled, there was little difference in ideology having a factor in viewing the move as favorable or unfavorable.

“There’s little partisan difference when it comes to Hochul’s end-of-session surprise decision to put congestion pricing on hold,” Greenberg said. “It is supported by 46% of Democrats, 45% of Republicans, and 43% of independents, all large pluralities.”