New York Poll: Blakeman Leads Hochul Among Independents, While Governor Holds Overall Edge
An Emerson College poll indicates Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman has a significant lead over incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul among independent voters, though Hochul maintains a double-digit advantage overall.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman holds a 21-percentage-point lead over incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul among independent voters, according to a new poll. However, Hochul maintains a substantial overall lead in the traditionally Democratic-leaning state of New York.
The Emerson College/PIX 11 survey of 900 likely voters found Hochul leading Blakeman 52% to 40%, with 8% undecided. This overall lead is driven by strong support from Democratic voters, with 84% backing Hochul compared to Blakeman's 8%.
"Hochul’s lead is driven by strong support among New York Democrats, 84% to 8%, but independents break for the Republican, Blakeman, 55% to 34%, a notable contrast with other Emerson statewide polls this cycle, in which independent voters have generally favored the Democratic candidate," said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling.
The poll also revealed a low approval rating for Hochul, with only 40% approving of her job performance, while 46% disapprove. The remaining voters are undecided.
Senator Chuck Schumer, the Democratic minority leader, also faces a low approval rating, with only 30% approving of his job performance and 50% disapproving. This figure is notably lower than President Trump's approval rating in the state, which stood at 35%.
First-year democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani shows a higher approval rating than the statewide elected officials, with 47% approval and 41% disapproval.
The Emerson College Polling/PIX 11 News New York survey was conducted from Oct. 3-5 and has a margin of error of 3.3 percentage points.
New York has a significant registered Democratic advantage, with 6 million registered Democrats compared to 3.4 million Republicans. An additional 3.4 million voters are not affiliated with any party, according to state Board of Elections data.
Hochul, 68, is seeking her second full term as governor. Blakeman, 71, is the current Nassau County executive. The gubernatorial election is scheduled for Nov. 3, with the governor serving a four-year term and earning an annual salary of $250,000.