Story perspectives

Siena poll shows Hochul leading Blakeman by 10 points

8/12/2026

Center

Hochul Leads Poll

Siena University released a poll of 811 likely New York voters conducted Aug. 3-6, 2026 showing Governor Kathy Hochul ahead of Republican Bruce Blakeman by ten points.
Political scientists said the ten-point margin remains comfortable and unlikely to be overcome.
Hochul is 46 % favorable and 49 % unfavorable, while Blakeman is 33 % favorable and 26 % unfavorable.
The poll showed Attorney General Letitia James beating Saritha Komatireddy 54-36 and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli beating Joseph Hernandez 55-32.

Right

Hochul Ahead

Siena University released a poll of 811 likely New York voters conducted Aug. 3-6, 2026 showing Governor Kathy Hochul ahead of Republican Bruce Blakeman by ten points.
Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County executive, called the Siena poll “off” and claimed newer surveys put him virtually tied with Hochul.
Hochul leads Democratic voters 80-8% while Blakeman leads Republican voters 84-9%.
Blakeman, who is Jewish, earned 42% of Jewish voters and more Catholic support than Hochul.

History

Historical Context

The 1994 Republican Revolution saw George Pataki unseat incumbent Mario Cuomo, the last New York governor to lose re-election and the only single-digit margin until 2022, when Kathy Hochul won 53.1% of the vote. A 2026 Siena poll now gives Hochul a ten-point lead over Republican Bruce Blakeman, echoing the state’s swing-vote history.

1 of 3

Hochul Leads Poll

Siena University released a poll of 811 likely New York voters conducted Aug. 3-6, 2026 showing Governor Kathy Hochul ahead of Republican Bruce Blakeman by ten points.
Political scientists said the ten-point margin remains comfortable and unlikely to be overcome.
Hochul is 46 % favorable and 49 % unfavorable, while Blakeman is 33 % favorable and 26 % unfavorable.
The poll showed Attorney General Letitia James beating Saritha Komatireddy 54-36 and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli beating Joseph Hernandez 55-32.

1 / 3