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NEW YORK – Democratic incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul holds a 19-point lead over Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman with less than six weeks until Election Day, according to a Quinnipiac University poll.
By the numbers:
The poll shows Hochul leading Blakeman 58% to 39%, with 3% of likely voters not choosing a candidate. Party lines remain firmly drawn, with 89% of Democrats backing Hochul and 90% of Republicans supporting Blakeman.
NY Governor Race Tightens: Siena pollster breaks down Hochul vs. Blakeman
A new Siena College poll shows the New York governor’s race narrowing to single digits. Incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul leads Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman 50% to 41%. Siena pollster Steve Greenberg analyzes the new polling data and break down key issues driving voter behavior in 2026.
Among independent voters, Hochul holds a narrow lead with 51% support to Blakeman’s 45%. In terms of voter favorability, 46% of likely voters view Hochul favorably compared to 43% unfavorably.
Blakeman holds a 30% favorable and 36% unfavorable rating, while 34% of respondents said they have not heard enough about him to form an opinion.
Why you should care:
When asked to select the most critical issue in the race, 28% of likely voters cited the cost of living, followed by the economy at 21% and health care at 11%. Among voters prioritizing the cost of living, 66% back Hochul compared to 30% for Blakeman. Similarly, among those focused primarily on the economy, 64% support Hochul while 34% back Blakeman.
Top issues vary across party lines.
Democrats: Cost of living (35%), economy (21%), health care (16%).
Republicans: Cost of living (21%), immigration (20%), economy (17%), taxes (15%), crime (11%).
Independents: Cost of living (26%), economy (22%), health care (12%).
The Source: This article was written using information from a Quinnipiac University New York State poll of likely voters.