Hochul tops Blakeman by double digits in first poll of New York gubernatorial race

Published August 12, 2026 10:44am ET | Updated August 12, 2026 10:44am ET



Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) surpassed her Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman by a 10-point margin in the first poll matching up the gubernatorial candidates since the primary election in June.

According to a new poll conducted by Siena University, Hochul led with 49% of likely voters, and Blakeman trailed at 39%. Likely voters also favored Hochul’s policy, as more said the incumbent has better plans for affordability and New York’s energy future.

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