October 28, 2026
The Midterm Elections in New York, October 2026
Hochul Up 11 Points Against Blakeman in NY Gov. Race
New York Governor Kathy Hochul leads Republican Bruce Blakeman by 11 points among likely voters statewide. Hochul holds a similar 14-point advantage among the broader statewide electorate. New York Democrats also have the advantage on the generic congressional ballot question where they enjoy a 14-point lead among New York likely voters and a 16-point lead among registered voters statewide. New Yorkers who are likely to vote deliver a scathing verdict on President Donald Trump. Nearly half say their congressional vote is a ballot in opposition to the president, and more than six in ten say they disapprove of the job he is doing in office.
- In the governor’s contest, Hochul leads Blakeman (53% to 42%) among likely voters statewide. Four percent are undecided. Hochul holds a 14-point lead against Blakeman among registered voters, up from her 11-point advantage earlier this month. Regardless of whom they support, 71% of New York likely voters think Hochul will be re-elected.
- Hochul (41% favorable to 51% unfavorable) and Blakeman (36% favorable to 42% unfavorable) have favorable ratings that are upside down among likely voters. Of note, nearly one in five Democrats (18%) and 61% of independents have an unfavorable opinion of Hochul. Nearly one in five likely voters (19%) have either never heard of Blakeman or are unsure how to rate him.
- Looking at the generic congressional ballot question, the Democratic candidate running for Congress (56%) has a 14-point lead against the Republican candidate (42%) among likely voters. The Democrats enjoy a similar 16-point lead among New York registered voters. Among independents who are likely to vote, 51% support to the Republican candidate while 45% back the Democrat on the ballot. New York City voters (72%) overwhelmingly support the Democratic candidate running for Congress while suburban and Upstate voters divide. 62% of likely voters. overall, say think the Democratic candidate will win a seat in Congress.
- 47% of likely voters report their congressional vote is mainly one against President Trump. 18% say their ballot is mainly one in favor of the president, and 34% say their vote is unrelated to President Trump. Among those who say their ballot is not impacted by President Trump. a majority approves of the job he is doing in office.
- 38% of likely voters in New York approve of the job President Trump is doing as President of the United States. 61% disapprove.
- A plurality of likely voters (45%) says their personal family finances have gotten worse in the last year. 13% report they have gotten better, and 40% say they have stayed about the same. Democrats (54%) are more likely than Republicans (34%) to say their finances have gotten worse in the last year.
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 1,448 New York registered voters was conducted October 22nd through October 25th, 2026 by the Marist Poll. Registered voters 18 years of age and older residing in New York State were contacted through a multi-mode design: By phone using live interviewers, by text, or online. Results for registered voters are statistically significant within ±3.5 percentage points. Results for likely voters are statistically significant within ±3.9 percentage points.