Poll shows Republican Bruce Blakeman within four points of New York Governor Kathy Hochul

A recent poll commissioned by the Blakeman campaign and run by McLaughlin & Associates indicates a tight governor's race in New York, with incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul at 49.6% and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman at 45.7% among likely voters, and 4.7% still undecided. The data, gathered from 800 respondents between Aug. 27 and 31, reveals that more than half of voters (55%) view Hochul unfavorably, and 56% think a new leader is needed.

Hochul dominates in New York City (60% to 33%) but trails in upstate regions (Blakeman 51% to 46%) and the suburbs (53% to 43%). Blakeman faces a name-recognition challenge, with 30% of likely voters reporting they have never heard of him. The poll comes amid contrasting Siena College results that show a larger Hochul lead, and it follows heavy ad spending by both parties, including Democratic efforts to link Blakeman to the unpopular President Donald Trump.