Hochul Leads '26 Governor’s Race Against GOP Challengers, But Fails To Hit 50%, Poll Shows
Gov. Kathy Hochul holds a commanding early lead over three potential Republican challengers in the 2026 New York governor’s race, fresh polling shows.
Hochul leads Rep. Elise Stefanik by 23 points, 47 to 24%, Rep. Mike Lawler by 20 points, 44 to 24%, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman by 25 points, 44 to 19%, according to a Siena College poll released Tuesday, July 1.
However, she’s still falling short of the 50% mark in every matchup, and more than a quarter of voters remain undecided, pollsters found.
“While the early leads seem large, Hochul is not hitting the ‘magic’ 51% mark …
From No. 2 To Top Dog? Antonio Delgado Launches Primary Challenge Against Gov. Hochul
New York Lieutenant Gov. Antonio Delgado is making a bold move: running against his boss.
Delgado, 48, announced Monday, June 2, that he will challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul in the 2026 Democratic primary, saying it’s time for “bold, decisive, transformational leadership” in Albany.
“Let’s not drop the ball on figuring out what it is we’re fighting for,” Delgado said in his campaign launch video, posted on X. “The powerful and well-connected have their champions. I’m running for governor to be yours.”
Though he didn’t mention Hochul by name in the video, Delgado later told The New York Times, …
Hochul Holds Strong Lead in Hypothetical 2026 Primary, But Faces Affordability Concerns: Poll
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul remains the clear frontrunner in a hypothetical 2026 Democratic primary, a new Siena College poll shows.
Hochul leads potential Democratic challengers Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado and Rep. Ritchie Torres by more than 30 points, the poll–released Monday, March 10–showed.
Forty-six percent of Democrats prefer Hochul, compared to 11% for Delgado and 10% for Torres, according to pollsters.
However, despite her commanding lead in a primary, the governor’s overall approval numbers remain mixed: Forty percent hold a favorable view, compared to 50% with an unfavorable view, …
