Loudonville, N.Y. (WBEN) - New poll numbers from Siena Research show that New Yorkers view the high cost of living as the number one issue facing them as we head into the fall election season.
More than 8-in-10 voters say that the cost of living in New York is a major problem, including at least 80% of Democrats, Republicans and independents. In addition, 27%, a plurality, say it is the most important issue that the Governor and Legislature should be working on now.
Crime, the recent influx of migrants, and availability of affordable housing are named as the next three most important issues, with a majority of voters across all parties saying those are major problems.
Siena Pollster Steve Greenberg said those surveyed, were then asked, if Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature could only work on one issue, what should it be?
"The plurality winner, 27% of New Yorkers, said the cost of living was at the top of the list, followed by crime and the recent influx of migrants."
The biggest crisis facing the state, according to Republicans, is the migrant crisis. Democrats remained focused on the cost of living.
A plurality of voters, 34%, say neither President Joe Biden nor former President Donald Trump is fit to serve a four-year term as the nation’s next President. Just 9% say both are fit.
"We asked voters," Greenberg said, "about the mental and physical fitness needed to serve as president for a four year term, and only 9% of voters say that they're both fit to serve. 26% said Biden is fit, but not Trump. 28% of voters said Trump is fit, and not Biden. The plurality winner, 34% of New Yorkers, said neither Trump or Biden is fit to serve a four year term," added Greenberg.