Albany, New York – Gov. Kathy Hochul holds a commanding lead over Republican challenger Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, according to a new Siena College poll showing rising favorability for the incumbent as the 2026 election cycle accelerates. The survey found Hochul ahead 54% to 28% among registered voters, with growing support from Democrats and improved statewide favorability.
The poll shows Hochul well positioned for the June 23 Democratic primary, where she faces a challenge from Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado. Roughly 60% of Democratic voters said they would back Hochul over Delgado. Siena pollster Steven Greenberg said Hochul’s 49–40% favorability rating marks the first time in more than four years that nearly half of voters view her favorably, representing a net seven-point improvement since December.
Blakeman, who recently entered the race, remains largely unknown to voters, with three in five New Yorkers unfamiliar with him. Hochul leads decisively among Democrats and independents and carries every region of the state. Pollsters said Blakeman’s support among Republicans lags behind Hochul’s standing within her own party.
Immigration enforcement emerged as a key issue. While a slim plurality supports deporting undocumented immigrants, at least two-thirds of voters expressed unfavorable views of ICE’s tactics and opposed sending additional agents to New York. Hochul’s opposition to aggressive ICE operations appears aligned with majority opinion, while Blakeman has criticized her approach and pledged closer cooperation with federal authorities.
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