New poll reveals nation's most and least popular governors

Updated

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback is the least popular governor in the nation, closely followed by Govs. Dan Malloy of Connecticut and Chris Christie of New Jersey, according to new polling from Morning Consult.

Though the top standings haven't strayed much from results earlier this year, these particular chief executives seem to have fallen further out of favor among registered voters in their respective states.

The most and least liked governors in the US

Brownback, a Republican, only has a 23 percent approval rating among Kansas voters in the new poll, compared with his 26 percent approval in results collected from January until early May.

His unfavorability appears tied to Kansas lawmakers cutting personal income taxes, which The Associated Press notes has sparked budget-balancing troubles and worries about education funding.

RELATED: Governor Sam Brownback

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Christie, meanwhile, moved up the ladder of unpopularity from fourth to third. His previous 60 percent disapproval and 36 percent approval ratings have shifted to 68 percent and 29 percent, respectively.

SEE ALSO: Most and least liked senators in the US

After his failed attempt at the Republican nomination, Christie is now a supporter of presidential candidate Donald Trump and remains dogged by "Bridgegate" allegations. A trial looking into a possible criminal conspiracy by former Christie allies to reduce access to the George Washington Bridge began this week.

Here are the five most unpopular governors, per Morning Consult.

  • Sam Brownback (R-Kan.)

  • Dan Malloy (D-Conn.)

  • Chris Christie (R-N.J.)

  • Rick Snyder (R-Mich.)

  • Paul LePage (R-Maine)

RELATED: Governor approval ratings

InsideGov Graphiq

On the other end of the spectrum, GOP Govs. Dennis Daugaard of South Dakota, Larry Hogan of Maryland and Charlie Baker of Massachusetts topped the charts for highest approval. Baker and Hogan were both ranked in the top three in the last poll, but Daugaard is new at the top of the list. All three governors received an approval rating of 70 percent or higher.

Daugaard drew attention in March when he vetoed a bill that would have required transgender students to use bathrooms corresponding to their sex at birth.

And Hogan, who has battled cancer while in office, has received plenty of positive attention. A Washington Post and University of Maryland poll this year found him to be the most popular Maryland governor since at least 1998. He is known for acting as a moderate, and even the majority of Democrats approve of his performance, the Post said.

Here are the five most popular governors, per Morning Consult.

  • Dennis Daugaard (R-S.D.)

  • Larry Hogan (R-Md.)

  • Charlie Baker (R-Mass.)

  • Steve Bullock (D-Mont.)

  • Gary Herbert (R-Utah)

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