Cuomo’s Approval Ratings Down, Poll Shows

New York Governor’s Favorable Ratings Fall to Lowest Level, But He Still Holds a Large Lead Over GOP Challenger.

Westchester County executive Rob Astorino, left, and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo

A federal investigation into the handling of an anticorruption commission by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office appears to have damaged the rising Democratic star’s standing at home without hurting his chances at re-election, according to a new poll.

Mr. Cuomo’s favorable rating fell to 53% in the poll conducted last week, the lowest since he took office in 2011 and down from 58% a month ago, according to a Wall Street Journal/NBC 4 New York/Marist poll. But he still maintains a 31-point lead over his Republican challenger in November’s gubernatorial election, the poll showed.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara is investigating whether Mr. Cuomo’s aides improperly interfered with the Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption, a 25-member panel the governor formed and vested with subpoena power in July 2013. The governor disbanded the commission in March, after striking a deal with the state legislature on a package of ethics bills.

Mr. Bharara’s investigation could call into question one of Mr. Cuomo’s top credentials—his efforts to clean up corruption in the state Capitol.

The poll also showed that Mr. Cuomo’s Republican opponent, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, lost a percentage point since the last Journal poll in July, falling to 23% to Mr. Cuomo’s 54%.

“It’s only August, and we continue to be confident that when voters start paying attention in the fall, they will be looking for an alternative,” said Astorino spokeswoman Jessica Proud.

More From The Wall Street Journal (subscription required):