New York Poll Results: Hochul Leads Stefanik in Governor Race, Mamdani Leads in Mayor Race
Mamdani holds a substantial 19-point lead over Cuomo, while Stefanik narrows the gap against Hochul
The latest Siena College poll provides insights into the current political landscape of New York, revealing the status of the gubernatorial and mayoral races.
Governor's Race
Governor Kathy Hochul is running for re-election after being elected to a full term in 2022. According to the poll, she has a 42-44% favorability rating and a 53-42% job approval rating. Despite this, her lead over potential challenger Rep. Elise Stefanik has narrowed to 14 points, with 45% supporting Hochul and 31% supporting Stefanik in a hypothetical matchup.
Rep. Elise Stefanik, who has not officially announced her run for governor, is seen as a potential strong challenger, especially with rising independent support and a strategy focused on issues like crime and the cost of living. However, her low name recognition statewide remains a challenge, with about 41% of New Yorkers not knowing or having never heard of her.
Hochul faces a primary challenge from Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, who announced his candidacy in June 2025.
Mayor's Race
In the New York City mayor general election, Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani leads among registered voters, holding a 19 percentage point advantage over runner-up Andrew Cuomo.
Analysis
Hochul's favorability ratings have improved slightly but remain underwater by two points (42% favorable, 44% unfavorable). Her job approval ratings have increased to 53%, up from 50% in June.
Stefanik is seen as a potential strong challenger, especially with rising independent support and a strategy focused on issues like crime and the cost of living. However, her low name recognition statewide remains a challenge.
The race is influenced by broader political dynamics, including potential suburban backlash against progressive policies and Stefanik's relationship with Donald Trump.
In the mayoral race, Mamdani commands the support of a majority of Democratic voters in the poll. Voters are split on their familiarity with Rep. Elise Stefanik, with 49% saying they are very or somewhat familiar and 46% saying they are not. Statewide, voters have a net negative view of Mamdani, with 37% having an unfavorable opinion and 28% having a positive one.
Cuomo leads among Black and Jewish voters, with Mamdani underperforming in the Democratic primary. Voters aren't sold on the idea of retaliatory mid-cycle redistricting, with just 35% saying they support it and 34% saying they oppose it.
A slight plurality of those surveyed in the poll believe that Rep. Elise Stefanik does not have the experience to be governor. However, independents who had an opinion were effectively split on this matter.
The new poll, conducted by Siena College, shows Hochul at 45% and Stefanik at 31%. Meanwhile, Mamdani continues to lead among New York City mayoral candidates.
[1] Hochul Faces Primary Challenge [2] Siena Poll Results [3] Stefanik's Rising Support [4] Hochul-Stefanik Matchup [5] Delgado Announces Primary Challenge
The latest poll results suggest that Elise Stefanik, despite being a potential strong challenger with rising independent support and a focus on issues like crime and the cost of living, may face challenges due to her low name recognition statewide in the New York gubernatorial race. The poll also indicates that her strategy is being influenced by broader political dynamics, including potential suburban backlash against progressive policies and her relationship with Donald Trump. On the other hand, in the mayor's race, Zohran Mamdani commands the support of a majority of Democratic voters, but has a net negative view among voters statewide, according to the poll. This indicates a complex political landscape in New York, as evidenced by the ongoing policy-and-legislation debates and general news coverage. Individuals' opinions on these candidates and the issues they represent will likely shape the outcomes of these races.
