New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Republican Bruce Blakeman trade barbs as poll narrows race

A new poll shows Governor Kathy Hochul holding a six‑point lead over Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in the New York gubernatorial contest, with 47% to 41% support among likely voters and 12% undecided.

Both candidates exchanged sharp criticisms during Hochul’s recent Long Island visits. Hochul dismissed a Blakeman mailer that blamed her and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for rising taxes and utility costs, and blamed Republican policies in Washington for financial pressures. Blakeman responded by likening Hochul to the Disney villain Cruella de Vil and claimed the incumbent created the state's problems.

Campaign finance remains uneven. Hochul’s campaign has roughly $20 million on hand, while Blakeman reports about $1.4 million, with potential public matching funds of up to $4 million. A super‑PAC supporting Blakeman has been formed to exploit unlimited‑donation rules. Hochul also noted that former House Republican leader Elise Stefanik would have posed an even tougher challenge, underscoring her confidence ahead of the November election.