In a groundbreaking poll, 57% of New Yorkers have decided they'd rather vote for a slice of New York pizza than Kathy Hochul for governor in 2026, leaving her favorability ratings as soggy as day-old bread.

As New Yorkers gear up for the 2026 gubernatorial race, the current governor finds herself trailing behind even a cheese-laden Margherita, with only 33% of voters willing to support her re-election. Hochul's ratings have taken a beating, particularly among independents (65%) and Republicans (85%), who are all scouting for tastier alternatives. With Democrats also losing their appetite for her leadership, the upcoming election may boil down to a showdown of crusty candidates, unless Hochul can serve up something more appealing than congestion pricing to win back the electorate.

Currently, only 48% of Democrats are prepared to re-elect Hochul in 2026. When asked about Hochul’s performance, one disgruntled voter quipped, 'If I wanted to feel underwhelmed, I’d watch paint dry.'

On top of her dwindling support, Hochul hasn’t been able to catch a break in terms of her favorability ratings. Since January 2024, her numbers have been about as welcoming as a rainy day in Central Park — currently resting at 39% favorable and 49% unfavorable. These figures have led many to wonder if her public image is less 'governor' and more 'mildly annoying elevator music.'

One area where Hochul really managed to rub voters the wrong way is with her congestion pricing plan, which has been met with resistance by 51% of survey respondents. It's almost as if she accidentally threw a party for her plans and no one showed up. Voters seem to think she’s trying to squeeze them like they’re stuck in traffic on the FDR, suggesting perhaps a deeper ailment rather than just poor road planning.

Despite her recent bump in net favorability, which now stands at -10%, Hochul's supporters are still comparing encouraging phrases like 'slight improvement' to comforting a toddler who just threw their favorite toy into the toilet. Not exactly a victory lap, but during these politically tumultuous times, even the smallest lift appears monumental.

Looking ahead to 2026, possible challengers are about as appetizing as stale bagels. Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres and Hudson Valley Rep. Mike Lawler have already thrown their hats in the chaotic ring with 17% favorability ratings. This might sound promising, until you realize that 68% of respondents could not pick Torres out of a lineup if he was wearing a neon sign. For added flavor, Lawler's ratings are 17% favorable to a slightly more concerning 20% unfavorable — truly the recipe for an exciting election season.

The race for New York's governor is shaping up to look like an award-winning comedy of errors. With Hochul fending off questions about her suitability and potential challengers barely registering in public consciousness, it’s no surprise 57% of voters are prepared to audition new candidates. Who’s to say that a celebrity chef with a superior pizza recipe might not throw their apron in the ring, advocating for fresh ingredients over Hochul's congestion pricing?

As the political landscape of New York continues to simmer, voters are clearly demanding alternatives — something to peel their gaze away from Hochul’s current spectacle. The appetite for fresh faces is palpable, and if Hochul hopes to win back her constituency, she might want to consider a new recipe. Because at this rate, the only favorability she'll be serving up is the appreciation of a well-cooked pizza.

In conclusion, if Hochul seeks to reclaim her position as the queen of New York, rolling out a grand, heroically satisfying plan might be crucial, lest she remains as popular as a cold slice at a backyard barbecue. A substantial makeover in both strategy and public perception may be her only ticket to winning over an electorate that has practically given her the cold shoulder. After all, in politics, sometimes you need more than just good intentions baked into the crust.