ALBANY — According to a Siena University poll released on Monday, Governor Kathy Hochul leads Rep. Elise Stefanik by 14 points in a hypothetical matchup for the New York Governor’s position.
This gap is significant, yet it’s the narrowest margin she’s had against potential GOP candidates since Rep. Lee Zeldin was trailing her by 11 points just three weeks before the 2021 general election. Currently, Hochul’s lead sits at 45% to 31%, a reduction from 23 points in June, and she has yet to reach what some refer to as the ‘Magic 51% Mark.’
It’s worth noting that, even though still over a year away from actual elections, Stefanik is closing the distance. Hochul’s lead, though still comfortable, has certainly shrunk from past figures.
After Mike Roller, a representative from Hudson Valley, officially exited the race last month, it seems without him in the running, Stefanik has solidified her position among GOP voters.
Moreover, the Siena poll highlights some encouraging trends for Stefanik. For instance, she garnered 35% of independent voters compared to Hochul’s 32%. In suburban areas such as Suffolk, Nassau, Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties, she received support ranging from 41% to 39%, echoing a trend seen with Zeldin in late 2021.
Interestingly, about 20% of those surveyed expressed unfamiliarity with both Hochul and Stefanik.
“Clearly, there’s an opportunity for Stefanik to expand her support base, despite being categorized as either aggressive or negative. Approximately 49% of voters say they are somewhat or very familiar with her, while 46% still lack awareness of who she is,” remarked Greenberg.
Hochul, on the other hand, continues to have a tough time with her favorability ratings, which remain underwater this quarter.
Currently, 42% of respondents view her positively, whereas 44% are opposed. Over nine out of the last ten Siena polls have shown negative ratings for Democrats.
When asked if they believe New York is on the right track or not, 41% of those surveyed indicated they think it’s heading in the wrong direction, contrasting with 45% who think it’s not.
