Blakeman Dismisses Siena Poll, Says Other Surveys Show Him Neck And Neck With Hochul

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman disputed findings from a new Siena College poll showing him trailing Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul by 10 points, citing other surveys in his favor.

"I don't believe the Siena polling because I have seen seven polls that have me neck and neck with Kathy Hochul," Blakeman said during an appearance on Fox News' "The Ingraham Angle."

The Siena Research Institute poll surveyed 811 likely New York voters from Aug. 3-6 and found Hochul leading 49% to 39%, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.2 percentage points. The survey marked Siena's first poll of likely voters this cycle. A June poll among registered voters showed Hochul with a wider 52%-32% lead.

Siena pollster Steven Greenberg noted that Hochul's lead has narrowed significantly and that she remains below the 50% mark with less than three months until Election Day.

Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, has focused his campaign on public safety, affordability and his county record. Hochul is seeking a second full term as governor.

The Siena survey found Hochul leading on affordable housing and making prices more affordable, while the race tightened on crime and energy issues. Independents in the poll narrowly favored Blakeman.

Hochul's campaign has pointed to her experience and the state's Democratic lean as reasons she remains the favorite. Blakeman has argued that voter dissatisfaction with the status quo is making the contest competitive.