Hochul Tops GOP Challengers In Early 2026 Siena Poll

According to new polls, Governor Kathy Hochul has a significant early lead over three possible Republican opponents in the 2026 New York gubernatorial contest.

Rep. Elise Stefanik and Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York (left).

Hochul against. GOP Challengers for Governor in 2026

Support/Opposition: Legislatively enacted legislation

• 
  
  
• 
  
  
• 
  
  

• 
  Kathy Hochul (D)
  
  
  33%
  
  
  
• 
  Elise Stefanik (R)
  
  
  58%
  
  
  
• 
  Mike Lawler (R)
  
  
  0%
  
  
  
• 
  Bruce Blakeman (R)
  
  
  0%
  
  
  
• 
  Antonio Delgado (D)
  
  
  8%
  
  
  
• 
  Ritchie Torres (D)
  
  
  0%
  
  
  
• 
  I’m undecided
  
  
  0%
  
  
  

According to a Siena College survey issued Tuesday, July 1, Hochul is ahead of Representative Elise Stefanik by 23 points, 47 to 24%, Representative Mike Lawler by 20 points, 44 to 24%, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman by 25 points, 44 to 19%.

Pollsters discovered that over 25% of voters are still uncertain, and she continues to fall short of the 50% threshold in every contest.

Despite the apparent size of the early advantages, Hochul is failing to reach the key 51% threshold against any of these opponents, and in each contest, between 25% and 33% of voters were unable to decide between the two candidates, according to Don Levy, director of the Siena College Research Institute.

According to the poll, Hochul has a 50–60 point lead among Democrats, but she is up to 40 points behind Republicans and has lesser leads (7–14 points) with independents.

Hochul’s chances of being re-elected are still slim, though, with only 37% of voters saying they would be willing to do so and 55% saying they would rather see someone else elected.

Hochul has the support of 49% of Democrats in a possible Democratic primary, while Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado has 12% and Rep. Ritchie Torres has 10%. About 40% of Republicans are still undecided, with Stefanik leading the GOP with 35%, Lawler at 18%, and Blakeman at 7%.

Resounding Support for New Laws

A number of recently passed state measures received resounding support from voters:

• Medical Aid in Dying: Supported 54%-28%, including majority support from Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike.
• AI Disclosure by State Agencies: Two-thirds of voters approve.
• Prison Surveillance & Utility Advocate: Broad bipartisan support.
• AG Lawsuits for Unfair Practices: Backed by a strong majority.

Additional Results

• Congestion Pricing: 44% want to eliminate Manhattan s congestion tolling plan, up from 41% in May. Downstate suburban voters oppose it 58%-29%, while a plurality of NYC voters still support it.
• State Direction: 50% say New York is headed in the wrong direction, compared to 37% who say it s on the right track a drop in optimism from May s narrower 46-43 split.
• Legislative Favorability: Both chambers hold positive ratings 44%-35% for the Assembly, and 45%-37% for the Senate.

Techniques

With a margin of error of 4.3 percentage points, the Siena College Poll was administered to 800 registered voters in New York State between June 23 and 26.

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