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A recent poll by the Siena Research Institute reveals that New York Governor Kathy Hochul holds a 20-point lead over Congresswoman Elise Stefanik in the race for governor. The poll, released Tuesday, marks the first since Stefanik announced her gubernatorial bid earlier this month. Hochul leads Stefanik 52% to 32%, although this represents a slight decrease from a 25-point lead in September.
The poll also shows Hochul with a significant 40-point advantage over Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado in the Democratic primary. Siena pollster Steven Greenberg noted that Hochul maintains strong support among Democrats, upstaters, downstaters, men, women, liberals, and moderates. However, Stefanik has gained ground among Republican voters and narrowed the gap with independents, where Hochul now leads 40% to 36%, down from 43% to 25% in September.
Stefanik, a known supporter of President Donald Trump, has not mentioned him in her campaign, despite his 35% favorability rating in New York. The poll highlights potential challenges for Hochul, as her favorability and job approval ratings have both slipped slightly. Hochul leads by 42 points in New York City but only by nine points in the suburbs and three points upstate.
The poll, conducted between November 10 and 12, surveyed 802 registered voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.0 percentage points. As the gubernatorial race progresses, both candidates will likely continue to adjust their strategies to appeal to voters across the state.
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