Siena Poll Shows Narrowing Lead for Hochul in New York Governor Race

New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s lead over Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman is decreasing, according to a recent Siena University poll. Released Wednesday, the poll indicates likely voters in New York view the Democratic Socialists of America unfavorably, with a 30% positive and 47% negative rating.

With the election just three months away, Hochul is ahead of Blakeman, 49% to 39%, among likely voters. This is a drop from the 52% to 32% advantage among registered voters recorded in June.

“At this point four years ago, August 2022, Hochul, finishing her first year as governor, led her opponent by 14 points,” noted Siena pollster Steven Greenberg. He highlighted that Hochul’s past lead over Lee Zeldin was 53% to 39%, but she won the election by only six points with a final tally of 53% to 47%.

Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County’s executive, commented, “Recent polls show us neck and neck with Kathy Hochul.” He criticized the polling method and expressed certainty about the tight race.

Blakeman touted that many voters view Hochul’s governance unfavorably, citing high taxes, rising electric bills, and increased crime rates as contributing factors. The latest Siena University Poll, conducted August 3-6 among 811 likely voters, has a margin of error of +/- 4.6 points.

In specific issues, respondents favored Hochul over Blakeman for maintaining affordable prices, 48% to 41%, and boosting affordable housing, 51% to 35%. On safety, Hochul leads marginally, 47% to 44%, and regarding undocumented immigrants, she edges Blakeman, 45% to 44%.

Greenberg explained both candidates are holding their partisan bases. Hochul leads Democrats 80% to 8%, while Blakeman commands Republicans, 84% to 9%. Independent voters slightly favor Blakeman, 45% to 40%.

Hochul has a significant lead in New York City, 64% to 19%, but trails Blakeman in suburbs downstate 49% to 41%. They are evenly matched upstate and among men and white voters. Hochul maintains strong support from women, Latino, and Black voters.

The Siena Research Institute evaluated the Democratic Socialists of America’s favorability for the first time. Although Democrats view the group positively, 50% to 21%, Republicans rate it unfavorably by 82%, with independents at 57% negative.

Fox News Digital reached out to Hochul’s campaign for comment but has yet to receive a response.

Compiled by Danielle Wallace, Breaking News Editor at Fox News Digital.