September 8, 2026
FROM THE BRUCE BLAKEMAN CAMPAIGN FOR GOVERNOR: A new statewide survey conducted by McLaughlin & Associates confirms that Kathy Hochul’s reign in Albany is on the brink of collapse. Despite an 18-point Democratic voter registration advantage statewide, the race for Governor of New York is locked within the statistical margin of error, with Bruce Blakeman within striking distance of unseating the vulnerable incumbent this November.
The survey of 800 likely New York voters, conducted August 27–31, 2026, reveals Hochul mired deep in danger territory:
Stuck Below 50%: In the general election matchup, Hochul registers a disastrous 49.6% to Blakeman’s 45.7%, with 4.7% undecided. Any incumbent polling under the 50% threshold two months before Election Day is facing near-certain defeat.
Familiarity Means Rejection: Among the 80% of voters who know both candidates, Bruce Blakeman leads Kathy Hochul by eight points, 52% to 44%. The more voters learn about Blakeman’s record of cutting taxes and standing up for public safety, the faster they abandon Hochul.
Overwhelming Mandate for Change: A staggering 56% of voters believe it is time for someone new to take over, while an anemic 38% think Hochul deserves re-election.
Underwater Favorability: Hochul’s net rating sits at -13 points (42% favorable / 55% unfavorable). By contrast, Blakeman boasts a +10 net positive rating (40% favorable / 30% unfavorable), with 30% of the electorate still to be introduced to his record.
Bleeding the Democratic Base: Blakeman is dominating his base with 87% of Republicans, while Hochul secures just 78% of Democrats. More critically, 34% of current Hochul voters and undecideds actively state they are willing to vote for a Republican for governor.
Blakeman issued the following statement: “Kathy Hochul’s New York is a disaster: taxes are up, rents are up, utility bills are up, crime is up, and families are fleeing the state. The Worst Governor in America is on the ropes, and New Yorkers have had enough. This November, they’re going to fire Kathy Hochul and elect me to make New York affordable again, keep families here, and build a new era where everyone has the opportunity to prosper.”
