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New York Governor Kathy Hochul is maintaining a strong lead over her Republican challengers, according to a recent Siena University poll. The poll shows Hochul leading Representative Elise Stefanik by 19 points and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman by 25 points, with both Republican candidates having a similar number of undecided voters. Despite these leads, the poll also reveals that 50% of New Yorkers would prefer someone else as governor, with only 37% expressing a desire to reelect Hochul.
Hochul's favorability rating is slightly positive, with 43% of respondents viewing her favorably compared to 41% who view her unfavorably. This is one of the few times this year her favorability has been in positive territory. However, Hochul has yet to surpass a 50% favorability rating in a state where 48% of voters are Democrats.
Newsday reports that Stefanik is more familiar to voters than Blakeman, who remains largely unknown to 70% of those polled. Despite this, Blakeman expressed confidence in his campaign, citing his previous victory as county executive after trailing a Democratic incumbent by 24 points.
NY1 notes that Hochul also leads her Democratic opponent, Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, by 43 points. The poll highlights that voters have higher expectations for Hochul in areas such as healthcare access and public safety, but neither Hochul nor Stefanik are seen as likely to make life more affordable for New Yorkers.
The New York Post adds that while Hochul holds significant leads over her Republican challengers, her favorability rating is still a concern. The poll also indicates support for universal free child care funded by increased taxes on high earners, with strong backing from Democrats and independents.
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