Kathy Hochul Leads Bruce Blakeman in New York Gubernatorial Poll

A Siena College poll released August 12 shows Kathy Hochul leading Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman 49% to 39% among likely voters. While the incumbent governor maintains a commanding lead in New York City and among women, Black, and Latino voters, her advantage has narrowed from a 20-point lead reported two months prior. Blakeman, the Nassau County Executive, currently leads by 8 points in the suburbs and remains competitive upstate.

Blakeman has dismissed the poll's accuracy, claiming the race is "neck and neck" and asserting that Hochul is the "worst governor in America" due to high taxes and crime. He is utilizing a political strategy aligned with Donald Trump to energize upstate Republicans, specifically criticizing Hochul for allocating $3.9 billion to assist asylum-seekers. During a joint rally with congressional candidate Anthony Constantino near Great Sacandaga Lake, Blakeman argued that undocumented migrants receive free services while New Yorkers pay the cost.

Hochul defended the spending and signed a state law restricting local governments from cooperating with federal immigration agents, a move Blakeman is considering challenging legally. While the candidates are closely divided on public safety and immigration, the poll indicates likely voters view Hochul as more capable of increasing affordable housing. The general election is scheduled for November 3.