STUNNING POLL: Bruce Blakeman Within Striking Distance Of Hochul In New York Governor's Race

Republican Bruce Blakeman is polling closer to Gov. Kathy Hochul than his predecessor did at a comparable stage, according to a new Siena College survey. Hochul leads the Nassau County executive by 10 points among likely voters, 49% to 39%, ahead of the Nov. 3 election. This represents a narrower margin than Lee Zeldin faced in August 2022, when Hochul held a 14-point advantage, 53% to 39%. Zeldin ultimately lost by six points in what became one of the state's strongest Republican statewide performances in years.

The new results show Hochul significantly outperforming other Democrats on the ballot. Attorney General Letitia James leads her Republican opponent by 18 points, while Comptroller Tom DiNapoli holds a 23-point advantage over his challenger.

Hochul's support varies sharply by demographic and geography. She leads among women by 19 points and trails among men by roughly equal margins. Black voters favor her by 60 points. In New York City, she leads 64% to 19%.

The dynamic shifts outside the city. Blakeman leads in the suburbs by eight points, 49% to 41%, while the candidates are tied upstate. Republicans view the polling as encouraging for a potential upset in what has long been a solidly Democratic state.