As the race for New York's gubernatorial seat heats up, Governor Kathy Hochul appears to be expanding her lead over potential Republican opponent Rep. Elise Stefanik. A new Siena College poll indicates that Hochul is now 25 points ahead, boasting support from 52% of voters compared to Stefanik's 27%. This uptick is a rise from the previous month's 20-point lead, as reported by Spectrum Local News.
The same poll, conducted between Monday and Tuesday last week, showed Hochul’s favorability rating at 45-42%, marking her highest point since January 2024. Looking more closely, Hochul’s favorability among Democrats stands at 61%, with 72% approving of the job she’s doing, according to Spectrum Local News. Meanwhile, Stefanik’s favorability ratings have declined to 21-34%.
Crime has been a pressing issue for voters, and the poll reflects a nuanced view. While 38% feel crime has stayed the same, 35% believe it has gotten worse, and 23% say it's gotten better since last December. Siena University pollster Steve Greenberg told Spectrum Local News, "Either way, far fewer New Yorkers now think crime has gotten worse compared to how they felt last year."
On a related matter, voters expressed their opposition to President Trump's suggestion of deploying the National Guard to New York City, with 57% against the idea. This view was shared across various demographics, with women opposing it two-to-one and a 61-32% opposition from city voters, as reported by CBS News New York.
Adding to Hochul's momentum, Stefanik criticized her endorsement of Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, portraying him negatively. However, the polls indicate a different picture of Hochul’s standing among New Yorkers. The Governor maintains strong leads in New York City, the downstate suburbs, and upstate areas, receiving solid support from white, Black, and Latino voters, details CBS News New York.
