(The Center Square) — Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s lead over GOP challenger Bruce Blakeman is shrinking with the election less than three months away, according to a new poll.
The Siena survey, released Wednesday, found Hochul’s with a 10-point lead over Blakeman, or 49-39%, marking a 10-point drop from a June poll conducted by the group.
“At this point four years ago … when Hochul was just finishing her first year as governor, she led her opponent, former Republican Congressman (and current EPA Administrator) Lee Zeldin by 14 points, 53-39%, before going on to ultimately win the election by six points, 53-47%,” Siena pollster Steven Greenberg said in a statement.
Greenberg said “not surprisingly” both candidates are held up by their partisan bases, with Hochul leading among Democrats 80-8% and Blakeman ahead among Republicans 84-9%.
“Likely independent voters favor Blakeman by a narrow five-point margin, 45-40%,” Greenberg said. “Hochul holds a commanding 64-19% lead in New York City, but trails Blakeman in the downstate suburbs by eight points, 49-41%. They are running virtually even in upstate, as well as among men and with white voters; Hochul has large leads with women, Latinos and Black voters.”
A bright spot for Hochul was polling data showing voters believe the governor would do “better” than Blakeman on key issues such as affordability, energy, safety, and immigrants. But, as with other polling results, respondents were divided along party lines.
“Holding to form, Democrats overwhelmingly think Hochul will be better on all issues than Blakeman, and Republicans overwhelmingly think Blakeman will be better,” Greenberg said.
Independents favor Hochul by nine points on housing, but favor Blakeman by between eight and 15 points on the other four issues, pollsters found.
Hochul is seeking re-election to a second full term with her running mate, former New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. Blakeman, a Nassau County Executive, is making his first run for governor with Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood as his running mate for lieutenant governor.
Blakeman’s campaign issued a statement disputing the Siena poll findings and claiming recent polls “we have seen” in recent months show Blakeman “virtually tied” with the governor.
“This poll is always off and continues to be off. We know and she knows this race is neck and neck,” Blakeman’s campaign said. “Kathy Hochul is desperate for people to believe that she is way ahead when she knows that her high taxes, soaring electric bills, and increased crime have made her the worst governor in America.”
Blakeman is expected to get a big boost to his campaign Friday when President Trump visits Long Island to tour correctional facilities with the county leader and rally his supporters.
