A recent poll conducted by the Empire Center for Public Policy indicates that 64% of registered voters in New York support abolishing the state income tax. The survey, released on October 7, 2026, follows a proposal by Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman to eliminate income taxes for many New Yorkers. Zilvinas Silenas, president of the Empire Center, stated, "Regular New Yorkers are fed up and want lower taxes," suggesting that New York should consider Florida's model, which does not impose a state income tax.
The poll found that 47% of respondents strongly support eliminating the income tax, while 16% somewhat support it. In contrast, 27% oppose the measure, and 9% are unsure. The proposal garners support from 88% of Republicans, 64% of independent voters, and 51% of Democrats, with majority backing across various demographics, including regions, income brackets, and age groups.
In specific areas, 54% of New York City respondents support abolishing the tax, with higher percentages in the Hudson Valley (70%), Albany/Central New York (68%), and Long Island (69%). Additionally, 67% of those surveyed believe they do not receive good value for the taxes they pay, compared to 30% who feel they do.
Blakeman's proposal includes eliminating taxes on the first $50,000 of income for single filers and the first $100,000 for married couples, which is projected to cost $35 billion. He also aims to reduce the tax rate for those earning between $100,000 and $500,000 from approximately 6% to 4%, pending approval from the Democratic-controlled state Legislature. In response, the campaign for incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul noted that she has already reduced middle-class income taxes to their lowest level in 70 years.
The Empire Center's poll surveyed 600 likely voters from July 6-8, 2026, with a margin of error of 4 percentage points. A previous poll conducted in December 2024 yielded similar results.