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Blakeman Touts Internal Poll Showing 9-Point Gap With Hochul

The disclosure signals a GOP push to recast the race despite wider public polls.

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks at a news conference in Albany, Image 2 shows County Executive Bruce Blakeman speaks during the NY State Republican Convention
Nassau County Executive and GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman responds to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address on Jan. 13, 2026.

Overview

  • The internal survey conducted in early March by McLaughlin & Associates among 800 voters with a ±3.5-point margin of error put Hochul at 52% and Blakeman at 43%.
  • A memo shared with reporters said the results "provide a path to victory" for Blakeman if he raises enough money to define himself to voters.
  • Independent Siena and Marist polls released in late February and early March showed Hochul ahead by 17 to 20 points statewide.
  • Democrats hold roughly a ten-to-one cash advantage and plan a seven-figure ad campaign to link Blakeman to President Trump.
  • City & State noted that the internal poll surveyed likely voters, while recent public polls used registered voters, a difference that can tighten margins when lower-turnout voters are screened out.