Mayor receives 28% approval rating in new poll, lowest since 1996

The mayor's team called the poll misleading and he blamed the migrant crisis for the low numbers.

Katelynn Ulrich and News 12 Staff

Dec 8, 2023, 10:26 PM

Updated 231 days ago

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A Quinnipiac University poll revealed that Mayor Eric Adams had the lowest job approval rating since the university began polling New York City voters in 1996. 
The mayor's team called the poll misleading, and he blamed the migrant crisis for the low numbers.
Brooklyn residents in Canarsie say they are holding out hope. 
"I think Mayor Adams is a very fair person and I think he's doing a pretty good job. Give him a chance. Give him a break," said George M. 
"I truly believe he's a good mayor. I believe he can get the job done just give him time," said Brian James.
The university's poll shows the feeling is not universal, with Adams coming in with a 28% approval rating. 
"If he does not change his tune on how he approaches his job, he could be in for a rude awakening," said Dr. Christopher Malone, associate provost at Farmingdale State College.
Some key areas of dissatisfaction for voters are homelessness, the migrant crisis and budget cuts.
"Budget downturns always harm a mayor. It's what you do and how you respond and whether he's willing to change course again and say, 'you know what, maybe we should raise income taxes on those doing well in New York City," said Dr. Malone.
On Friday, Adams said New Yorkers frustration with the migrant crisis, an issue he blames on Washington, is responsible for the low poll numbers. 
"It is painful for us. It is painful for this city. And I think that you see it being reflected in the polls, it's because our federal government's actions have taken a toll on this city," said Adams.
 
"I think mayors of New York who tout themselves as alpha males - and it's always been a male - to get things done, it's really a dissonant message and a contradictory one," said Dr. Malone.
Adams broke the lowest approval rating record of Mayor Mike Bloomberg in his first term. Bloomberg had a 31% approval rating for the same poll. 
"Eric Adams is a very unique figure in his own right, he's not a Mike Bloomberg but he has survived, and he has thrived, and I fully expect him to get through this and I fully expect him to get reelected," said Dr. Malone.
The university polled after the news of Adams' federal investigation and yet it didn't fare as voters' biggest concerns. Voters were polled on other elected all of whom had approval ratings below 50%. This includes the public advocate, city comptroller, and the governor. Gov. Kathy Hochul has the highest approval rating at 45%.


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