Siena Poll: Hochul Widens Lead Over Blakeman

Gov. Kathy Hochul has widened her lead over Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman to 14 percentage points with less than a week remaining before Election Day, according to a Siena University poll released this morning.

The October 28 survey shows Hochul leading Blakeman 54% to 40% among likely New York voters. That represents a five-point increase in her advantage since September, when Hochul led 50% to 41%.

“Heading into the final stretch, Hochul has a 14-point lead, with Blakeman quickly running out of time to close a gap that is growing rather than narrowing,” Siena pollster Steven Greenberg said.

Greenberg noted that Republicans must win convincingly upstate and in the downstate suburbs while capturing independent voters to overcome Democrats' statewide enrollment advantage.

However, Hochul and Blakeman are running virtually even upstate and in the downstate suburbs, while Hochul leads independents by 11 points.

Hochul's favorability rating has reached 51% favorable and 45% unfavorable, marking the first time a majority of voters have viewed her favorably during her five years as governor. Her job approval rating stands at 51%.

Affordability remains a significant concern. Only 30% believe Hochul would make life more affordable, compared with 27% for Blakeman. Another 35% believe neither candidate would improve affordability.

Democratic incumbents also maintain double-digit advantages in New York's other statewide contests.

Attorney General Letitia James leads Republican Saritha Komatireddy 54% to 39%, while state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli leads Republican Joseph Hernandez 59% to 32%.

Democrats also lead Republicans 54% to 39% on the generic congressional ballot.

Despite Hochul's polling advantage, 49% of voters believe New York is headed in the wrong direction, compared with 41% who believe the state is on the right track.

Siena surveyed 807 likely voters October 19–22. The poll carries a margin of error of plus or minus 4.1 percentage points.