October 7, 2026
Midterm Elections in New York, October 2026
Hochul Leads Blakeman by 11 Points in Governor's Contest in NY
New York Governor Kathy Hochul leads her Republican challenger, Bruce Blakeman, by double digits, among registered voters, in New York’s race for governor. Voters also give the Democrats running for Congress a similar advantage in the state. Partisan and regional differences permeate these contests, as does gender in the gubernatorial contest. Voters also deliver a scathing verdict on President Donald Trump, and concerns about personal finances exist in New York.
- Hochul (53%) leads Blakeman (42%) by 11 points among registered voters in New York’s gubernatorial contest. Independents break for Blakeman, though, (49% to 42% for Hochul).
- While suburban voters divide, Hochul (69%) has the advantage in New York City. Blakeman leads with 51% Upstate. A 29-point gender gap also exists, with women favoring Hochul and men favoring Blakeman. 69% of registered voters, overall, think Hochul will be re-elected.
- On the generic congressional ballot question, the Democratic candidate on the ballot (55%) leads the Republican (42%) among registered voters. Independents divide (49% for the Democrat to 47% for the Republican). Voters in New York City (73%) and the suburbs (51%) favor the Democrat on the ballot. Upstate voters (52%), though, back the Republican. More than six in ten registered voters statewide (61%) say they think the Democrat running for Congress in their district will be elected.
- 44% of the New York electorate say their vote for Congress is mainly a vote against President Trump. 22% report it is a vote for the president, and 33% say President Trump has no impact on their vote for Congress. Among those who say President Trump has no bearing on their vote, a majority approves of his job performance.
- President Trump's job approval rating is underwater, with 38% of registered voters saying they approve and 60% saying they disapprove.
- 40% of registered voters in New York say their family finances have gotten worse in the last year. 18% report they have gotten better, and 41% say there has been little change to their finances. Democrats (48%) are more likely than Republicans (23%) to say their personal finances have gotten worse.
For additional data pertaining to the Midterm Elections in New York, click on the link to the full table packet in the Survey Data button below.
Methodology
This Marist Poll New York survey of 1,361 New York registered voters was conducted October 1st through October 4th, 2026 by the Marist Poll. Registered voters 18 years of age and older residing in New York were contacted through a multi-mode design: By phone using live interviewers, by text, or online. Results for registered voters (n=1,361) are statistically significant within ±3.6 percentage points.