Kathy Hochul news
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The gist
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is in the final stretch of her reelection race with 55 days to go, as a Blakeman campaign poll shows her holding a narrow lead.
The race matters because her approval is under 50%.
Background
Hochul is seeking reelection as New York governor in a race now entering its final weeks. Her path has been shaped by a disruptive political moment: Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado dropped his long-shot primary bid after Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Hochul. Recent polling shows Republican Bruce Blakeman gaining ground, and a Blakeman campaign poll puts Hochul only narrowly ahead.
How it unfolded
- Sep 7, 2026Politico reports Hochul is trying to hold the center in a disruptive political age; Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado dropped his long-shot primary bid after Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Hochul's reelection.
- Sep 8, 2026CBS New York reports Hochul ramps up police presence in NYC ahead of the Jewish holidays. WBEN reports the governor's race heads into the final stretch with 55 days until the election and recent polling showing Republican Bruce Blakeman gaining ground.
- Sep 9, 2026Mid Hudson News reports a Blakeman campaign poll shows Hochul with a narrow lead. Gothamist reports on an Uber-funded ad featuring cute kids for Hochul. The NYC Mayor's Office announces Mamdani and Hochul say the free lead pipe replacement program has saved 900 Bronx and Queens homeowners more than $10,000 each.
- Sep 11, 2026The New York Post reports Hochul left the 9/11 Ground Zero ceremony early to appear on a cable news show.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Hochul says keeping New Yorkers safe is her top priority and that any increase in hate crimes is unacceptable, and she announced a record $70 million to protect community organizations ahead of the Jewish High Holidays.
- Party
- Bruce Blakeman says Hochul's New York is a disaster with taxes, rents, utility bills and crime up, and says voters will fire her in November.
- Analysts
- Republican strategist Carl Calabrese says Hochul's favorable and job approval numbers are under 50%, which is always a red flag for an incumbent, and that Blakeman needs to be around 32% or 33% in New York City to have a chance.
- Support
- Hochul campaign spokesperson Ryan Radulovacki says Blakeman is pushing fake AI-generated ads, fake government letters to solicit donations, and fake polls.
Still unverified
The Blakeman campaign poll's margin of error was not provided in the campaign's release. It is an open question whether Mayor Mamdani's supporters can be sufficiently marshaled to support Hochul.