Siena College Survey Shows Shifting Voter Sentiment

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman is narrowing the polling gap against Governor Kathy Hochul, according to data released Tuesday by Siena College. The survey of 804 registered voters indicates that Hochul's lead has decreased from 20 percentage points to 13 points over the past month.

The shift is partially attributed to changing preferences among independent and non-affiliated voters. Additionally, Hochul’s significant lead among New York City voters saw a decline, moving from a 46-point advantage last month to a 29-point lead in the most recent March findings.

Regional Polling Breakdown

The poll highlights varying levels of support across different regions of the state:

  • Suburbs: Hochul maintains a 5-point lead.
  • Upstate: Hochul leads by 2 points, a figure that falls within the survey's 4.2 percentage point margin of error.

Siena pollster Steve Greenberg cautioned against reading too much into the current numbers. "Is that movement or merely noise? Let’s see what happens next month after the budget is approved and as the campaign unfolds," Greenberg stated.

Campaign Responses and Financial Standing

Bruce Blakeman, the current Nassau County executive, expressed optimism regarding the trend. "We’re closing the gap at lightning speed because New Yorkers need real relief from Kathy Hochul’s cost of living crisis," Blakeman stated, citing his proposals to reduce income taxes and utility costs.

In response, Hochul campaign spokesperson Ryan Radulovack criticized Blakeman’s platform. "Every day, Kathy Hochul is delivering for New Yorkers—lowering costs, investing billions to keep families safe, and standing up to Donald Trump," Radulovack said, while alleging that Blakeman’s policies would lead to higher prices and service cuts.

Financial records indicate a significant disparity in campaign resources. Governor Hochul currently holds $20.18 million in her campaign treasury, while Blakeman’s campaign reports $1.6 million.